How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard with Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, CO

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, with their iridescent feathers and lightning-fast wings creating a magical spectacle in any backyard. In Westcliffe, Colorado, where the high-altitude landscape offers stunning views and a unique environment, attracting these tiny dynamos is easier than you might think. With the right tools, plants, and know-how from Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird haven. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring these jeweled fliers to your property and keep them coming back year after year.

Why Attract Hummingbirds in Westcliffe?

Westcliffe, nestled in the Wet Mountain Valley at over 7,800 feet, is home to several hummingbird species, including the Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds. These birds are drawn to the area during their spring and summer migrations, seeking nectar, insects, and safe spaces to rest and nest. The high-altitude climate, with cool nights and sunny days, provides an ideal backdrop for creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat. By offering food, water, shelter, and perches, you can make your yard a go-to stop for these migratory marvels.

Valley Ace Hardware, located at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO 81252, is your local resource for all things hummingbird-related. From feeders and nectar to native plants and expert advice, their knowledgeable staff can help you create a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly yard tailored to the unique conditions of Custer County.

1. Set Up Hummingbird Feeders

One of the easiest ways to attract hummingbirds is by installing feeders filled with sweet nectar. Valley Ace Hardware carries a variety of hummingbird feeders designed to catch the eye of these color-loving birds, many featuring red or yellow feeding ports to mimic their favorite flowers.

Choosing the Right Feeder

• Saucer-Style Feeders: These are easy to clean and fill, with multiple ports to accommodate several hummingbirds at once. Look for models with built-in ant moats to keep pests at bay.
• Bottle-Style Feeders: These hold more nectar, ideal for busier yards, but require thorough cleaning to prevent mold.
• Window-Mounted Feeders: Perfect for small spaces or to enjoy close-up views from your home. Valley Ace Hardware offers suction-cup models that attach directly to windows.

When selecting a feeder, consider the number of feeding ports. Hummingbirds can be territorial, and a single dominant bird may guard a feeder with few ports, scaring others away. Opt for feeders with four or more ports to encourage sharing. Valley Ace Hardware stocks feeders from trusted brands like Perky-Pet and Aspects, ensuring durability and functionality.

Perky-Pet Hummingbird 3 oz Plastic Bottle Nectar Bird Feeder 1 ports

SKU: 8093288

Making Hummingbird Nectar

You can purchase premixed nectar at Valley Ace Hardware, but making your own is simple and cost-effective. Follow this recipe:

• Mix: Combine 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water (e.g., 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water).
• Boil: Heat the mixture in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Boiling sterilizes the solution and extends its shelf life.
• Cool: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before filling feeders.
• Store: Refrigerate any extra nectar for up to one week.

Important Tips:

• Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, as these can harm hummingbirds.
• Change the nectar every 3–4 days in warm weather (more frequently in Westcliffe’s sunny summer days) to prevent fermentation or mold, which can be deadly to hummingbirds.
• Clean feeders with hot water and a weak vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) to remove mold or residue. Avoid dish soap, as it can leave harmful residues.

Feeder Placement

Strategic placement maximizes visits. Here’s how to position your feeder:

• Shade: Place feeders in partial shade to slow nectar spoilage in Westcliffe’s intense sunlight.
• Visibility: Hang feeders where hummingbirds can spot them, such as near colorful flowers or red ribbons. Valley Ace Hardware sells red surveyor’s tape or ribbons to tie around trees or feeders for extra attraction.
• Safety: Position feeders near shrubs or trees for quick escapes from predators like hawks, common in the Wet Mountain Valley.
• Spacing: If using multiple feeders, place them out of sight of each other to reduce territorial conflicts. Valley Ace Hardware recommends spacing feeders at least 10–15 feet apart.

2. Plant a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

While feeders are a great start, planting nectar-rich flowers is the most natural way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, tubular flowers, especially in red, orange, and pink hues.

Best Plants for Westcliffe

Choose plants that thrive in Westcliffe’s cool nights and short growing season while providing nectar throughout spring and summer. Here are some top picks available at Valley Ace Hardware:

• Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): Native to Colorado, these red and yellow tubular flowers bloom in late spring and are a hummingbird favorite.
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Bright red or purple flowers that bloom through summer, attracting both hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Penstemon (Beardtongue): A hardy native with tubular flowers in red, pink, or purple, perfect for Westcliffe’s rocky soils.
• Salvia (Sage): Long-blooming red or blue varieties that thrive in sunny spots.
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.): Native vines or shrubs with tubular flowers that hummingbirds love.
• Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium): A native wildflower with pinkish-purple blooms, common in Colorado’s mountains.

For continuous blooms, mix early-season plants like columbine with mid- and late-season bloomers like salvia and bee balm. Valley Ace Hardware’s staff can help you select plants with staggered blooming periods to ensure a steady nectar supply.

Gardening Tips

• Group Plants: Cluster similar flowers together to create a “nectar buffet” that’s easy for hummingbirds to find.
• Avoid Pesticides: Hummingbirds eat small insects for protein, so chemical pesticides can reduce their food source and harm them directly. Valley Ace Hardware offers organic pest control options to keep your garden safe.
• Deadhead Flowers: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering, providing hummingbirds with a longer feeding season.
• Add Vertical Elements: Plant vines like honeysuckle on trellises or fences (available at Valley Ace Hardware) to give hummingbirds room to hover and feed.

3. Provide Water Sources

Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, and they’re particularly fond of moving water. In Westcliffe’s dry climate, a reliable water source can make your yard stand out.

Water Features

• Birdbaths: Choose a shallow birdbath (1–2 inches deep) with a rough surface for grip. Valley Ace Hardware stocks birdbaths with built-in misters or bubblers, which hummingbirds love to fly through.
• Misters or Fountains: A fine mist or dripping fountain mimics natural water sources like streams. Solar-powered misters are available at Valley Ace Hardware for eco-friendly options.
• Sprinklers: Hummingbirds will dart through sprinkler sprays, so consider timing your garden watering to coincide with peak hummingbird activity (early morning or late afternoon).

Place water features near perches or flowers to create a one-stop hummingbird habitat. Clean birdbaths regularly with a vinegar solution to prevent algae buildup.

Ace Turbo Plastic Sled Base Oscillating Sprinkler 4500 sq ft 1 pk

SKU: 7139256

4. Create Perches and Shelter

Hummingbirds spend about 80% of their time perching, using twigs, wires, or shrubs to rest, preen, and guard their territory. Westcliffe’s open landscapes and forested areas provide natural perching spots, but you can enhance your yard with these additions:

• Shrubs and Trees: Plant native shrubs like serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) or small trees like crabapple (Malus spp.), available at Valley Ace Hardware, to provide perches and nesting cover.
• Trellises or Poles: Install slender poles or trellises for perching. Hummingbirds prefer thin branches or wires for their tiny feet.
• Leave Spider Webs: Hummingbirds use spider silk to build their stretchy, cup-shaped nests. Avoid removing webs from shrubs or trees, as they’re a critical nesting material.

5. Encourage Nesting

While hummingbirds don’t use traditional birdhouses (they prefer open, cup-shaped nests in tree forks), you can encourage nesting by providing the right environment:

• Nesting Materials: Offer cotton puffs, soft plant fibers, or dryer lint in a mesh bag or suet feeder. Valley Ace Hardware carries nesting material holders for easy access.
• Sheltered Spots: Maintain dense shrubs or small trees where females can build nests 5–20 feet off the ground.
• Keep Feeders Full: Nesting females need constant access to nectar to fuel their high-energy lifestyle.

6. Maintain a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard Year-Round

Hummingbirds migrate through Westcliffe from April to September, with peak activity in July and August. To keep them coming back:

• Start Early: Put feeders out in early April to catch early migrants. Valley Ace Hardware can help you time your setup based on local migration patterns.
• Monitor Feeders: Check nectar levels daily and clean feeders weekly, especially during Westcliffe’s warm summer days.
• Plant for All Seasons: Include late-blooming plants like asters to support hummingbirds during fall migration.
• Be Patient: It may take weeks for hummingbirds to discover your yard, but once they do, they’ll return annually thanks to their excellent memories.

Why Shop at Valley Ace Hardware?

Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe is more than just a hardware store—it’s a community hub for gardeners and bird enthusiasts. Their garden center offers:

• A wide selection of hummingbird feeders, nectar, and accessories.
• Native plants and seeds tailored to Westcliffe’s high-altitude climate.
• Expert advice from staff familiar with local wildlife and gardening challenges.
• Tools like trellises, birdbaths, and organic pest control to complete your hummingbird habitat.

Visit Valley Ace Hardware or call (719) 783-9054 to check inventory or get personalized recommendations. Their team can guide you through selecting the best products for your yard and budget.

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds in Westcliffe

• High-Energy Diet: Hummingbirds consume half their body weight in nectar daily and eat 500–2,000 insects for protein.extension.missouri.edu
• Migration Marvels: The Rufous Hummingbird, common in Westcliffe, undertakes one of the longest migrations relative to body size, traveling up to 3,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska.audubon.org
• Wing Speed: Their wings beat 50–80 times per second, creating the signature “hum” you hear as they zip by.extension.missouri.edu

Get Started Today

Transforming your Westcliffe yard into a hummingbird paradise is a rewarding project that brings beauty and life to your outdoor space. Whether you’re setting up a single feeder or designing a full hummingbird garden, Valley Ace Hardware has everything you need to succeed. Stop by their store to browse feeders, pick up native plants, or chat with their team about creating a habitat that hummingbirds can’t resist. With a little effort and the right resources, you’ll soon be enjoying the dazzling sight of hummingbirds hovering in your backyard.

For more information on gardening and wildlife in Westcliffe, visit Valley Ace Hardware or check out local resources like the Audubon Native Plant Database for region-specific plant recommendations. Happy hummingbird watching!

Building Materials and Tariff Impacts – July 2025

Rising Material Costs Challenge Contractors

Building material costs continue to strain contractors, driving up project budgets and affecting housing affordability. For instance, lumber prices have recently stabilized but remain higher than last year due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and limited domestic production. Consequently, these elevated costs, combined with pressures on other materials, create significant challenges for contractors managing construction projects.

Tariff Delays Provide Temporary Relief

Meanwhile, tariff developments significantly impact the industry. The U.S. Department of Commerce currently imposes 14.5% tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, a key source of U.S. lumber imports. These tariffs are set to more than double to 34.5% later this year, potentially exceeding 50% when combined with proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Fortunately, a recent extension of the tariff deadline under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) delays these increases. As a result, this pause offers contractors a window to plan for potential cost hikes in lumber and other imported materials like gypsum.

Domestic Lumber Supply Faces Constraints

Additionally, domestic lumber production struggles to meet demand, tightening supplies. U.S. sawmills currently operate below capacity, and declining imports from Canada further strain availability. To address this, recent efforts, including an executive order to boost domestic timber production, aim to increase output. However, scaling up will require time and investment. Therefore, contractors can mitigate these supply challenges by exploring long-term material contracts to lock in stable pricing.

Broader Material Market Pressures Persist

Beyond lumber, materials like steel, aluminum, and gypsum also face pressures from global trade policies and supply chain disruptions. Since a portion of goods used in residential construction comes from imports, tariffs directly drive up costs for builders and homebuyers. To counter this, contractors should adopt efficient practices, such as minimizing waste and exploring sustainable options, while partnering with suppliers to secure cost-effective solutions.

Valley Ace Hardware’s Commitment to Contractors

At Valley Ace Hardware, we actively support contractors through these challenging market conditions. Specifically, we collaborate closely with our suppliers to secure competitive pricing and maintain a steady inventory of essential building materials. By strengthening these partnerships, we ensure your projects stay on track with reliable stock and pricing that supports your bottom line. Reach out to our team to discuss your needs and discover how we can help you navigate these market dynamics.

Housing Market Faces Ongoing Challenges

Finally, the housing market reflects these material cost pressures, with private residential construction spending declining for several months due to rising costs and high mortgage rates. Although the tariff delay provides temporary relief, ongoing trade policy uncertainty complicates project planning. To stay ahead, contractors should budget conservatively, use fixed-price contracts, and leverage industry updates to navigate these market shifts effectively.

Source: National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), July 2025.

Wood products, including framing lumber, plywood, OSB, particleboard, fiberboard, shakes, and shingles, account for a significant portion of a new home’s material costs. According to Home Innovation Research Labs, an average single-family home requires over 2,200 square feet of softwood plywood, 6,800 square feet of OSB, and approximately 15,000 board feet of framing lumber. Softwood lumber also plays a key role in manufactured components like cabinets, windows, doors, and trusses. These materials are subject to manufacturer markups, calculated as the percent difference between receipts and cost of goods in the wood product manufacturing industry, based on IRS data, which further elevates costs before reaching the construction site.

The final price of a new home is driven higher by additional factors such as interest on construction loans, brokers’ fees, and margins needed to secure financing and underwrite loans. Per the National Association of Home Builders’ study on regulatory costs, items used during construction can increase the home’s final price by nearly 15% above the builder’s cost. Consequently, fluctuations in softwood lumber prices directly influence home affordability, compounding challenges posed by rising construction wages and higher interest rates, contributing to the housing market’s ongoing affordability crisis (NAHB, 2025).

The U.S. housing market in 2025 faces a complex landscape shaped by affordability challenges, high mortgage rates, and economic uncertainties. Experts from Fastmarkets highlight that persistent high mortgage rates and rising material costs are dampening builder confidence, despite pockets of strong demand. Affordability pressures are intensified by tariffs impacting the construction supply chain, adding near-term risks and increasing costs by an estimated $10,900 per home. Demographic shifts, such as a surge in immigration and a growing number of young adults living with parents due to cultural shifts and high housing costs, continue to drive shelter demand but strain affordability. New construction is expected to remain subdued through 2025, with a projected rebound in 2026 as mortgage rates ease and tariff-related uncertainties stabilize, potentially leading to an 8% increase in housing starts in 2026 and 6-7% in 2027.

Looking ahead, the housing market is poised for modest growth in wood product demand, driven by a slight uptick in housing starts and repair and remodeling (R&R) activity, forecasted to grow by 4% and 1%, respectively, in 2025. Despite a cooling labor market and policy uncertainties, the Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cuts in 2025 could spur construction, particularly in single-family homes, with an estimated 1.5 million units, including 1.1 million single-family starts. Regional variations and supply chain dynamics, particularly in lumber and timber markets, will play a critical role, with timber prices expected to rise due to tightening supplies outside the U.S. South. However, the market remains competitive, with no imminent crash expected due to robust lending standards and sustained demand, though affordability will continue to challenge first-time buyers (FastMarkets, 2025).

Lumber Update

The lumber market in May 2025 is stabilizing but faces significant pressures that contractors and builders must navigate. Prices have seen a slight decrease recently but remain elevated compared to last year, driven by robust housing demand and supply constraints. Single-family housing starts are projected to rise 11% in 2025, fueled by a 4.5 million home shortfall, while repair and remodeling projects sustain over 40% of softwood demand. However, mill closures, reducing North American capacity by 7% since 2023, and labor shortages are tightening supply. The Section 232 investigation, initiated March 10, 2025, to assess if wood product imports threaten national security, adds uncertainty. Potential tariffs on Canadian lumber (70% of U.S. imports) could increase costs by February 2026. Natural disaster rebuilding needs further strain availability, keeping the market volatile.

Builder Strategies

High mortgage rates and rising costs are squeezing budgets, so adopt cost-saving techniques like panelized construction. Monitor trade policy updates and engage with Valley Ace Hardware for real-time market insights. Planning projects with flexibility and maintaining open communication with us will be beneficial to navigating potential disruptions.

Valley Ace Hardware’s Actions

Valley Ace Hardware is taking decisive steps to support contractors in this dynamic market. We’re actively expanding our supplier network, sourcing high-quality lumber from diverse domestic and Canadian partners to ensure consistent stock levels, even if tariffs or supply chain issues arise. Our team is closely monitoring market trends, enabling us to provide timely advice and competitive pricing. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with contractors, offering pre-order options and customized inventory planning to secure the materials you need for your jobs. Contact Valley Ace Hardware today to discuss your project requirements, lock in supplies, and benefit from our dedication to delivering the best value and service in the industry.

Happy Customers and Hardworking Machines at Valley Ace Hardware

Here at Valley Ace Hardware, we believe that the best part of our job is helping our customers get their projects done—whether it’s a small backyard upgrade or a large construction endeavor. And every now and then, we get a little surprise that reminds us why we love what we do.

Take this blue sticky note, for example. It was left behind on our telehandler rental by a customer who had just wrapped up their job. It reads:

“This rental was awesome! Thank you guys!”

Short, sweet, and it absolutely made our day.

This kind of feedback means the world to our rental team. Our goal is to keep our equipment in top shape and make the rental process smooth, friendly, and hassle-free. From power tools to heavy-duty machines like this Genie telehandler, we’re proud to support the work being done in our beautiful Westcliffe community and beyond.

To the customer who left this note—thank you! We’re so glad the rental worked out well for you. And to everyone else out there gearing up for your next big project, know that Valley Ace Hardware is here to help with the tools and support you need.

Stop by, give us a call, or check out our rental catalog online. Whether you’re building up or digging down, we’ve got the right equipment to make it happen.

Valley Ace Hardware’s Rental Department