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    Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Hummingbird Guide

    Bloomington, Hennepin CountyNational Wildlife Refuge / Prairie and Floodplain Forest Habitat

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    NectarBloom 2 lb bag — pure cane sugar hummingbird nectar

    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

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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

    Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge gives the Minnesota Hummingbird Trail a strong federal conservation anchor close to the Twin Cities. The refuge protects tallgrass prairie, floodplain forest, wetlands, and Minnesota River Valley habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidance highlights wild bergamot in prairie areas and jewelweed in semi-shaded areas in August, both useful nectar plants for hummingbirds preparing for migration. The refuge offers more than 45 miles of trails and major urban access.

    Hummingbirds to Watch For

    • • Ruby-throated Hummingbird

    Most Common Hummingbird

    The most commonly sighted hummingbird at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

    Special Guest Hummingbird

    Watch for the Rufous Hummingbird. Rufous, Calliope, and Anna's Hummingbirds are rare Minnesota migrants or vagrants. Rufous is the best special guest species to feature.

    Best Time to Visit

    Plan your visit during May, June, 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

    Look for tubular red, orange, and pink blooms, native salvia, and flowering shrubs where hummingbirds prefer to feed.

    Visitor Notes

    Check current refuge trail conditions, Bloomington Education and Visitor Center hours, and unit access before visiting. Stay on marked trails as some nectar plants grow near poison ivy or stinging nettle.

    Map

    Ruby-throated Hummingbird near native nectar plants at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota
    Photo: NectarBloom Hummingbird Trail

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    Reviews and Sightings

    Visited Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge? Share what you saw — your photos, ratings, and notes help fellow flock-watchers know what to expect.

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    Sources

    Nearby gardens in Minnesota

    View Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Minneapolis, MinnesotaHummingbirds at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Map

    Hennepin County

    Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

    Minneapolis

    Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is one of Minnesota's most important native plant and birding places. Founded in 1907, it is widely described as the oldest public native plant garden in the United States, with woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats in the heart of Minneapolis. More than 500 native plant species grow within the garden, and more than 130 resident and migratory bird species use the sanctuary.

    Native Wildflower Garden / Bird SanctuaryRuby-throated Hummingbird

    View garden →

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