How High Should You Hang a Hummingbird Feeder?
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Hummingbirds Are Cautious
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Hummingbirds tend to feed more comfortably away from the prying eyes of ground predators. This means that a height of 6 feet or more may be best, particularly when there are few trees or foliage around the feeder to obscure the hummingbirds from view. A slightly higher elevation also restricts the access that ants or rodents will have to the sugary nectar in your feeder, leaving more for the birds. Lastly, a higher elevation may aid in attracting hummingbirds in the first place, as the wind will carry the sweet scent of nectar for longer distances.
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Hummingbirds Are Low-Level Feeders
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Hummingbirds are used to getting their nutrition from flowers and other nectar-producing plants. This makes attracting hummingbirds a bit easier with a feeder hung at or below chest height. If you have a particularly floral garden, the bright colors of your flowers and bushes could help attract your guests in the first place. Hummingbirds also like shade, which might be easier to provide at a lower level. A lower feeder height also puts your visitors at the perfect altitude for bird watching.
Bottom Line
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The layout and botanical content of your yard will help determine the best placement for your feeder. While a low feeder in a floral garden may help you see hummingbirds better, a higher placement might help you keep your dinner guests safe and well-fed.
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- Photo Credit hummingbird image by maiky911 from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I'm confused...Its says pick a sunny location , then it says they like shade, then it says hang it 6 feet or more then it says chest level. then it says they are daring creatures then it says put it away from people.
