where to place hummingbird feeder

Where to Place Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders can be a great way to attract these flying jewels. Placing the feeders in the correct place not only attracts many birds, but it's also safe and also makes up for a scenic environment. However, where does one place a hummingbird feeder for the best results?

Well, you can start the process by learning about various bird-feed placement concepts and techniques. Most bird keepers use specific approaches to promote the quality of their yield. We will be going in depth into these techniques in this article.

Hummingbirds are genuinely remarkable fascinating life species. As a diverse family of birds, the Bee Hummingbird of Cuba and Rufous Hummingbird are among some of the common ones you will come across. To sustain their supercharged lifestyles, these birds have to each once after every few minutes and visit well over 1000 flowers each day. 

Therefore, if you want to enjoy the best that this bird species has to offer, then are a few key factors you should take into perspective.

Why Placement Matters

Experienced bird-keeping enthusiasts will now that placing a feeder on a new location, even a few feet away, can easily affect the habitat of the birds. More so, a poorly placed feeder is prone to leaks and is easily affected by pests such as insects and more. Furthermore, predators can also threaten any visiting hummers on the feeders. Another issue is that a poorly placed feeder is also likely to be less visible to people and birds as well. By placing the feeder at the correct place, it not only offers an excellent habitat for the birds but also ideal for hummingbirds to watch.

Tips for Placing a Hummingbird Feeder

While each yard is unique, various factors determine where you can place the feeders. The birders who consider these factors are likely to get the best results with their feeders. Broadly speaking, a feeder should be:

  • Noticeable – hummingbirds have sharp eyesight, but when you place feeder poorly, then the birds might easily ignore it. Thus, the feeder should be visible, such that it is likely to attract the attention of watchers and birds as well. Placing red colours close to the feeder makes it more visible to hummingbirds.
  • Convenient – a feeder should be suitable for birders to maintain and refill. This means that you have to place the feeder at the place where it is to reach. The ideal level is not so high that its difficult to take down. Placing the feeders close to patios, decks or paths, instead of garden beds will also make them easy to access
  • Safe – an unsafe hummingbird feeder is not suitable for birds, and can present a doorway for predators such as cats. Therefore, consider placing the feeders close to windows or at any convenient location for the birds to access.
  • Private – hummingbirds have aggressive and territorial tendencies, and might keep away from feeding in places that have larger birds. Therefore, never place feeders close to other feeding locations and place several feeders across a given space. This way, the hummers can have adequate space to visit.
  • Protected – even if it is possible to reduce the number of drips from feeders, some leaks are likely to occur. Therefore, placing the feeding places away from the rain or winds will reduce any likelihood of shaking. Furthermore, you should set the feeder away from high traffic areas, where people are likely to bump into it. Keeping the feeder protected will also improve the quality of the nectar.
  • Shaded – nectar can go bad easily, especially on warm days. Thus, placing the feeder in direct sunlight for many hours is not suitable. Consider placing it an area that gets optimal shade, while also allowing the bird to enjoy the sun. Usually, an excellent place to put the feeder would be under a tree, where it can still be visible to the birds.
  • Well-spaced – the hummingbirds tend to hover as they feed. However, if you place the feeder in dense foliage, then it might not be easy for the birds to access or move around the feeder. Most hummingbirds love moving around the feeder, mostly due to their territorial tendencies.

Best Places for Hummingbird Feeders

Once you consider all factors, some locations are excellent for hummingbirds. They include

  • In a hummingbird garden that has a lot of nectar-rich flowers and many insects, which will act as food for the birds

  • Close kitchens or home windows that have excellent views and are well shaded. Also, the area should be well coloured to ensure the birds never collide with the walls

  • Hang the feeder from a gutter or gazebo, where the feeder is visible but also receive optimal shade during the day

NB: Of course, any place is suitable for placing a hummingbird feeder, especially if it meets the criteria mentioned above. However, choose the best location is always the best suggestion, because it will improve your yield.

Where to Place Hummingbird Feeder FAQ

Q. What measures should I consider when purchasing a hummingbird feeder?

A. Ensure that you choose a hummingbird feeder that is easy to fill and clean, mostly if you plan on having many birds. If you have an issue with ants or wasps, then consider getting a feeder with bee guards.

Q. How Do I clean a hummingbird feeder?

A. You can clean the feeder after every week. Consider using some hot water, a brush and some soap. Then, ensure that you rinse the feeder thoroughly. The best part is that there are several cleaning accessories available out there for hummingbird feeders.

Q. Do I need to provide water for the birds?

A. Hummingbirds require clean water, and this can be a great way to complement the functionality of your feeders. The birds not only need the water for drinking but bathing and removing parasites. Using waterers are an excellent recommendation because they offer an open and safe surface for the birds to access the water.

Finally

Birds are perhaps some of the most remarkable species in the world today. To be specific, the hummingbirds are awe-inspiring creatures, which you can have in your backyard. These birds need to feed regularly, and their presence in your open yard can have many benefits. If you want these birds in your space, consider getting the best hummingbird feeder, and place it at the correct location. 

While there are a few key factors to consider about feeder placement, they are simple to set up and use. Once you have a feeder set up correctly, you can start enjoying several years of birdwatching and a scenic environment. 

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