(Humming)birds, bees, and butterflies welcome.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Hummingbirds visit our yards, looking for nourishment from our gardens and feeders. Many migrate hundreds to thousands of miles and must eat several times their weight in nectar daily to stay alive.

Hummingbird fans nationwide are urged by the National Audubon Society, New York, to grow native plants that help these cherished birds thrive, as its Plants for Birds database makes ecologically friendly landscaping choices a snap--it is the first to use your zip code to find native plants best for your local birds.

Hummingbirds' arrival--or year round presence--in yards varies across the country. In addition to urban development, studies point out new potential challenges to migrating hummingbirds caused by a changing climate. Shifting bloom times of nectar plants and an earlier arrival of spring on their wintering and breeding grounds pose threats.

Hummingbirds also play an important role in pollinating flowers along with bees, moths, butterflies, and bats. Pollination is a crucial part of a healthy ecosystem, as well as the human food supply. Yet, seven types of bees recently were added to the endangered species list. Growing native plants in one's yard that benefit these birds and insects can have a significant impact.

If you do not have a yard, you still can help by creating a native plant container garden on your patio, rooftop, or balcony. Hummingbirds are specialized for nectar-eating: their...