Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures that are a joy to watch. There are so many great spots out there where you can place your feeder, but here’s a guide to the best place to hang hummingbird feeders to get you started!
How to choose the best spot for your hummingbird feeder
When choosing a spot to hang your hummingbird feeder, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. First, you’ll want to find a place that gets plenty of sunlight.
Hummingbirds love the sun, and they need it to keep their energy levels up. However, you’ll also want to find a spot that’s sheltered from the wind, as gusts can blow the nectar around and make it difficult for the birds to drink.
Finally, you’ll need to think about where the feeder will be most visible. Hummingbirds are fast and fleeting creatures, so you’ll want to choose a spot where you can see them easily. A good spot to hang your feeder is near a window where you can watch them feed and drink.
The Best Place to Hang Hummingbird Feeders
1 In or near a garden or flower bed.
Visibility is key! While hummingbird feeders are wonderful for attracting hummingbirds in-between seasonal flower blooms, having an abundant flowerbed filled with nectar-rich flowers will ensure they stick around all summer long. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors!
2 In a sheltered spot from the wind.
The last thing you want is for your hummingbird feeder to be constantly buffeted by the wind, making it difficult or impossible for the birds to feed. Choose a spot that’s protected from the wind, whether that’s near a building, in a garden, or among some shrubs.
3 Near Windows
If you place a hanging hummingbird feeder near a window, you can sit inside and watch the little birds come and go as they please. Just make sure the window isn’t too close to the feeder, or the birds might fly into it! Hanging feeders tend to reflect in windows, giving birds the illusion of another feeder.
Window feeders work wonderfully to attract hummingbirds and help prevent accidental crashes into them. We initially put up window feeders because birds were frequently running into the windows. The feeders have drastically reduced collisions while providing hours of enjoyment.
4 Distance Matters.
It goes without saying that you want to hang your hummingbird feeder in a spot where you can see it well. This way, you can keep a watchful eye on the birds and make sure they have enough food to eat.
It is important to consider the distance between your viewing area and the hummingbird feeders when making decisions about their visibility. Considering that hummingbirds are only three to four inches long, you may have trouble seeing each bird clearly if your feeders are spread out across the yard.
5 In a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, but not direct sun.
Direct sunlight can overheat a hummingbird feeder and cause the nectar to spoil, so it’s best to choose a spot that’s sunny but not too hot. This tip is imperative in areas that are prone to high temperatures.
6 On a porch or deck.
If you have a deck, patio, or covered porch, this is a great place to hang your hummingbird feeders. Doing so ensures the little birds are not in the direct sun while they eat and once again protects the nectar from spoiling too rapidly.
The birds will be close to your house and easy to watch, and you’ll be able to enjoy their company while you relax outdoors.
7 In a tree or on a pole.
If you have a tree or a post in your yard, this is another great place to hang your hummingbird feeder. Just be sure the feeder is at least 10 feet off the ground to protect it from predators like cats and raccoons.
8 In an open area near shrubs or vines.
Position feeders near brush piles or dense shrubbery to provide a safe haven for these delicate birds if they feel threatened.
Hanging your hummingbird feeder near some shrubs or vines can help provide some additional cover for the birds. The natural perches and cover will make them feel more comfortable and likely to visit your feeder more often.
9 At the edge of a pond or water feature.
If you have a pond, birdbath, or other water feature in your yard, try hanging your hummingbird feeder at the edge of it. This will attract hummingbirds that are looking for a drink as well as those looking for food.
10 Allow adequate Spacing.
Despite being tiny, hummingbirds need space to maneuver around feeders and feel comfortable. It is better to hang hummingbird feeders in open areas rather than in dense brush, as this will encourage more frequent visits.
12 Away from Predators & Pests
Sweet sips of nectar aren’t just for hummingbirds. It’s also crucial to consider the number of insects that might be nearby and could take over your feeder as well. Think also about hummingbird predators, such as outdoor cats, snakes, raccoons, or even large praying mantises that would be attracted to a feeder for a quick meal.
By hanging the feeders higher, removing vines or objects nearby, and providing a clear line of sight, you can help prevent pests from interfering with the birds.
13 Anywhere you want!
Don’t feel like you have to follow any of these guidelines exactly – if there’s a spot in your yard where you think a hummingbird feeder would be fun, go for it! Just make sure the feeder is in a safe place where kids and pets can’t accidentally knock it over.
Hummingbirds are known to eat directly out of a person’s hand. So long as you have a few attractive features, such as feeders, brightly colored flowers, and freshwater, they’ll likely appear and stick around.
Hanging a hummingbird feeder can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with these beautiful little birds. By following some of these tips, you can make sure your feeder is in the right spot and that the hummingbirds will have a bountiful food source all summer long.
13 fun facts about hummingbirds and why you should love them too!
There are many reasons to love hummingbirds, but here are just a few of our favorite reasons! Their tiny size, incredible flying abilities, and high-energy lifestyle make them fascinating creatures to watch. And, of course, their sweet nature and beautiful markings make them irresistible.
1 Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world.
2 They can fly forwards, backward, and even upside down!
3 A hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,200 times per minute.
4 They can eat up to half their body weight in nectar each day.
5 They get their name from the sound of their wings, which make a buzzing noise as they fly.
6 Each year, hummingbirds migrate up to 3,000 miles between North and South America.
7 Male hummingbirds are territorial and will fight other males for control of feeding areas and mates.
8 Hummingbird nests are very small – just 2-4 inches wide – and are made from spider webs, lichen, and plant down.
9 Female hummingbirds lay 2-3 eggs and incubate them for about two weeks.
10 Young hummingbirds fledge (leave the nest) after about 20 days.
11 They are the only birds that can drink from a flower upside down. Hummingbirds have specially adapted beaks that easily extract nectar from flowers.
12 Hummingbirds are the symbol of joy and happiness. In many cultures, hummingbirds are seen as a sign of good luck and happiness.
13 Longevity is one of their qualities. Hummingbirds can live for up to ten years, which is a very long life for such a small bird!
The best time of year to put up your hummingbird feeder
The best time of year to put up your hummingbird feeder is early spring when the birds start migrating back north. You can keep your feeder up until late fall when the birds start migrating south again. So, get out there and add a hummingbird feeder to your backyard today! You’re sure to enjoy watching these beautiful creatures all year long.
How to keep your hummingbird feeder clean and full of nectar
To keep your hummingbird feeder clean and full of nectar, you’ll need to take it down every few days and clean it with hot water and soap. You’ll also need to replace the nectar regularly, as it can spoil quickly in the heat. So, be sure to keep your hummingbird feeder clean and full of fresh nectar for the best viewing experience!
Keeping the hummingbird feeder clean and full of nectar is a breeze! All you need to do is follow these simple steps:
1 Clean your feeder regularly with hot water and dish soap.
2 Make sure the water in the feeder is always fresh and clean.
3 Refill the feeder with fresh nectar every few days.
If the nectar appears cloudy at any time, empty it out, wash the feeder thoroughly and refill it.
Very thorough and sooooooooooo interesting!! Thank you……