The Morton Arboretum Hummingbird Guide
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Fresh nectar in a minute.
Every bag of NectarBloom™ funds the guides, the Hummingbird Trail, the lab testing, and the free care resources on this site. When you buy our nectar, you help us keep hummingbird education open, honest, and growing — for every bird lover, everywhere.
NectarBloom™ — 2 lb Bag
Fresh nectar in a minute.
No boiling, no dye. The same sugar hummingbird flowers make. One ingredient, nothing else. Makes up to 160 oz of fresh feeder nectar per bag.
- Fresh nectar in a minute: measure, stir until clear, and pour
- No boiling, no dye
- The same sugar hummingbird flowers make
- One ingredient, nothing else: 100% pure cane sugar
- Lab tested. Resealable 2 lb bag, sourced and packed in the USA
1 Bag · 2 lb
$21.99
Free shipping included
2 Bags · Season Supply
$39.88
Free shipping included
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“Your purchase isn’t just nectar — it’s how we keep this hummingbird care library free, accurate, and growing.”
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Overview
Founded in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt, the Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized tree-focused botanical garden and research center covering 1,700 acres in DuPage County. With 9 miles of paved roads and 16 miles of hiking trails, the Schulenburg Prairie — one of the finest restored tallgrass prairies in the Chicago region — is home to swaying grasses and tall wildflowers alive with butterflies, bees, and birds in summer. The arboretum's woodland edges provide prime breeding habitat for ruby-throated hummingbirds, while the prairie serves as a major migration corridor.
Hummingbirds to Watch For
- • Ruby-throated
Most Common Hummingbird
The most commonly sighted hummingbird at The Morton Arboretum is the Ruby-throated.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit during May, July, August, September for the highest chance of hummingbird sightings. Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most active feeding times.
Plants and Habitat
- • Cardinal flower (*Lobelia cardinalis*) — wet woodland and stream edges
- • Wild columbine (*Aquilegia canadensis*) — woodland understory plantings
- • Scarlet bee balm (*Monarda didyma*) — prairie and perennial beds
- • Trumpet honeysuckle (*Lonicera sempervirens*) — native vine collections
- • Wild bergamot (*Monarda fistulosa*) — Schulenburg Prairie
- • Pink turtlehead (*Chelone lyonii*) — wet garden areas
NectarBloom Tip
The Schulenburg Prairie (access via Lot P-25) peaks in late July and August when native wildflowers reach maximum bloom — the best time to walk the prairie trail slowly and watch for hummingbirds working the cardinal flowers and bee balm along the prairie-woodland edges. The arboretum's 9-mile paved road loop is drivable with car admission, allowing you to cover the vast grounds and stop wherever hummingbird activity is spotted. Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
Visitor Notes
Admission required (includes parking). Open daily year-round. Photography for personal use welcome. ADA-accessible paved roads and key trails throughout. Drive-through option available.
Reviews and Sightings
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