Hummingbirds are cute little creatures and watching them can be a fun hobby.
You’ve gotten a nice hummingbird feeder to attract these birds to sip the sweet nectar they crave.
Here’s the thing:
Do not get too excited yet: you still need to find a suitable spot to hang the feeder.
Your effort in feeding hummingbirds can be futile or even harmful to the birds if the feeder is not placed in a “sweet spot.”
In this article, I’ll guide you through getting your hummingbird feeder placement right. In no time, they’ll be all over your yard while you enjoy the view.
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Why Hang a Hummingbird Feeder?
You might wonder why you need to hang a feeder for these little birds. Besides being great to watch them feed, you would be doing the environment a favor.
Here’s why:
Hummingbirds need to feed every 10 – 15 minutes to survive due to their very high metabolism.
They flap their wings 75 times per second in normal flight and their hearts beat four times per second.
This shows that they are constantly expending energy, therefore they need to constantly feed. You would be doing the environment a great service feeding them.
When Is The Best Time To Hang A Hummingbird Feeder?
Hummingbird feeders are best hung in the summer months when most hummers migrate to North America.
Tips to Consider Before Putting One Up
There’s more to it than just hanging up a hummingbird feeder wherever you fancy...some might even consider it an art.
Look:
A small change in the location of your feeder could affect how many hummingbirds are attracted to it. A bit of thought has to go into finding the right spot to hang your feeder.
As you contemplate where to hang your hummingbird feeder, here are some useful tips that should increase your chances of attracting hummers:
Visibility
Your feeder won’t attract hummingbirds if they can’t see them. The feeder should be hanged so it catches some light which would attract the birds.
Safety
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world making them prey to many animals. Any feeder that is unsafe would not attract the birds. The feeder should be hung high enough so predators like cats would not jump at the feeding birds. Also, be sure to keep ants off hummingbird feeders as they can deter birds from visiting the feeder.
Privacy
Hummingbirds are quite territorial and some aggressive birds could chase away other hungry birds. A solution would be to hang multiple feeders around so that more birds can visit different feeders. Hummingbird feeders should be kept separate from those for other birds so that these birds don’t scare hummers away.
Distance
Your line of sight should also be considered so you can watch as the birds feed. Hummingbirds are tiny birds. If the feeder is placed far from your line of sight you could miss watching them. Ensure feeders are placed close to windows or outdoor benches.
Shaded
Sunlight would help the feeder be more visible to birds. However, direct sunlight would spoil the nectar quickly. Therefore, the feeder should be positioned in a place shaded from direct sunlight but still receiving enough light to attract the birds.
Spacing
Hummingbirds might be tiny, but they still need space to maneuver around the feeders so they feel comfortable and will want to pay you multiple visits. Hanging the feeders in dense foliage will discourage frequent visits.
Convenience
It is best to place the feeders within reach so you can clean and refill them regularly. Hanging a feeder around decks, porches, and patios rather than deep in garden beds makes it easily accessible.
Best Places/Spots To Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder
Placement matters when hanging a feeder. Experienced birders know that a poorly positioned feeder could attract insects, spoil the nectar quickly, or worse, attract predators to the feeder.
Changing the location of a feeder by a few feet could also greatly change the activity around the feeder.
We all have different yard structures, which means the spot you choose would be determined by the layout of your yard. From the tips I’ve given earlier, there are certain sweet spots to hang your hummingbird feeder.
These spots will not only attract the hummers but keep them coming back for more.
Some Of These Places Are:
Flowerbeds
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers due to their nectar. It is, therefore, reasonable to hang your choice of the best hummingbird feeder close to flowers. They are especially attracted to bright-colored flowers. If you do not have flowers in your yard, consider planting one or filling a planter with bright flowers. If you plant late-blooming flowers, it would attract hummingbirds to your feeder all year long.
Hanging Over An Overhead Gutter Or A Roofline
This provides shade from sunlight keeping the nectar fresh and is high enough to attract hummingbirds and keep them away from predators.
Close To A Window
It should not be too close to avoid collision and to also protect against cats. It should be hung about 15-20 feet away from the window.
Close To Safety
The feeders should be placed about 10-15 feet from safety so the birds could retreat when they feel threatened. Dense shrubbery could provide safety for them.
This video will give you more ideas on your ideal hummer feeder placement:
Wrapping Up
If well placed, your feeder would quickly become a hot spot for many hummingbirds.
The hummers would come in charms when you place the feeder at the proper height, under a shade, and with their favorite plants in the surrounding.
Now, you just have to sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacle of hummingbirds in your yard.