Why Should You Get A Hummingbird Feeder?
Hummingbirds are incredible creatures. Unlike most birds, hummingbirds are pollinators, meaning they mostly feed off of the nectar of plants. Hummingbirds are also well known for their flight patterns – they can fly at up to 45 mph, with their wings beating at 70 times per second. As you can imagine, their lifestyle requires a lot of energy so hummingbirds spend most of their time zipping around from plant to plant trying to locate nectar to feed on. You can help the hummingbirds out by having a hummingbird feeder in your yard or garden. Not only will they be able to find food sources more easily, but by attracting hummingbirds to your garden you are aiding in the pollination of other plants and helping with the maintenance of your local ecosystem.
Hummingbird Feeders You Should Add To You Garden
Nothing is more welcoming to a hummingbird quite like a well-placed hummingbird feeder. To best attract a hummingbird, choose a feeder that is a bright red color and place it in a shady spot near your garden or a lot of flowers and plants. Keep your feeder at least a few feet off the ground so it is out of reach of hummingbird predators. Be sure to pick out a feeder that has a place for the hummingbirds to perch so they can rest while they are feeding. Our top hummingbird feeder picks will keep these busy little birds coming to your yard all summer long.
1. First Nature 32-ounce Flower Feeder
The First Nature Flower Feeder consistently tops the list of best hummingbird feeders – and for good reason! This USA made feeder has a bright red base that is very attractive to hummingbirds, with yellow flowers to prevent bees and wasps from trespassing into feeder. It also has a perch built onto the base, which gives the birds the opportunity to take a break while feeding at any of the ten feeding ports. The large 32oz basin is easy to clean and there is a moat at the bottom of the base that collects ants and other bugs that are drawn to the nectar.
2. Aspects Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder
Aspects’ Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder brings hummingbirds right to your window and gives you a front row seat to witness the majesty of hummingbirds. This feeder has an attractive red lid that is hinged for easy nectar filling, a detachable ant moat, and a bracket that suction cups the feeder to your window. It holds 8oz of nectar and has three feeding ports and a comfortable resting perch for the birds.
3. Perky-Pet Red Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder
The beautiful Perky-Pet Red Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder will add a touch of elegance to your garden. The feeder is made with a gorgeous red bottle and copper base that both you and the hummingbirds will love. This feeder holds 28oz of nectar and has four feeding ports that will have hummingbirds flocking to your yard in no time.
4. Aspects HummZinger
Aspects’ HummZinger feeders are known for keeping pests like wasps, bees, ants, and other insects from getting into the nectar basin with its Nectar-Guard® tips on the feeding ports and built-in ant moat. The HummZinger comes in three sizes: the 8oz HummZinger Mini, the 12oz HummZinger Ultra, and the 16oz HummZinger Excel.
5. Stokes Select Ruby Prism Hummingbird Feeder
The Stokes Select Ruby Prism Hummingbird Feeder was created to attract hummingbirds to your garden with its gorgeous modern design. It is made with a shatterproof polycarbonate reservoir and stainless steel base and flowers for long-lasting wear and ultimate weather resistance.
How To Make A DIY Hummingbird Feeder
If you’re feeling crafty, try your hand at making your own DIY hummingbird feeder. All you need is an empty glass bottle, some kind of red embellishment to attract the hummingbirds, and a hummingbird feeder tube. Not only is this method cheaper than buying a feeder at the store, but you will have a feeder that is totally unique to your garden.
How To Make Hummingbird Nectar
Though you can buy hummingbird nectar at the store, there’s really no need because it’s so easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of white cane sugar
- 3 to 4 cups of spring water
Directions
All you have to do is dissolve 1 cup of white cane sugar into 3-4 cups of spring water. There is no need to add red food coloring, especially if your feeder already has red accents on it. Make sure the water is hot when making the mixture because sugar will not dissolve in cold water. Refrigerate the water when you are finished mixing the ingredients together. Any unused mixture can be stored for week in the refrigerator.
How To Clean Your Hummingbird Feeder
It is extremely important to keep your hummingbird feeder clean. It is recommended that you clean your feeder every time you refill it. Here’s how to keep your feeder clean and free of pests.
- Rinse your feeder thoroughly with a mild detergent and warm water.
- For a deep clean, soak your feeder in a solution of warm water and 1 tbsp of bleach. This is only necessary about once a month.
- If you decide to clean your feeder in the dishwasher, check the packaging first to confirm that your feeder is dishwasher safe.
