How to Choose a Hummingbird Feeder

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By Nannette Richford
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Choose a Hummingbird Feeder

As far as the hummingbird goes, any feeder will do. As long as there is easy access to sweet nectar, the hummingbird really doesn’t care what the feeder looks like and will happily feed from any feeder you hang. But, you are the one who needs to care for the feeder. Which hummingbird feeder you choose depends on your own sense of style, overall design and the intended the function of the feeder.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hummingbird Feeders

Step 1

Choose a simple feeder to begin. Simple plastic feeders that screw apart are inexpensive options and they will last for several years with a little care from you. Not only are they inexpensive the simple design makes cleaning easy and filling the feeder is as simple as flipping over the nectar reservoir, refilling it with fresh nectar, screwing on the bottom section and turning it over. For those who simply want to watch a hummingbird or two, these little feeders are a great option.
Step 2

Select a larger feeder to provide room for many hummingbirds to feed at once. This is a great option when the adult hummingbirds first bring their young to the feeder as it provides room for the whole family to feed at once. Last year, my large feeder became the feeding station for Mom and Dad and their three babies.
Step 3

Purchase a glass feeder for increased durability. These last for many years and create a more elegant appearance. They are wonderful choices to enhance the beauty of your backyard. Browse online or through magazines to view the many sizes and styles available.
Step 4

Hang small delicate feeders designed to accommodate one hummingbird at a time from small branches or from tiny shepherd hooks in the midst of a flower garden. These tiny feeders catch and reflect light adding style and color to your flowerbed.
Step 5

Remember that feeders with perches make it easy for hummingbirds to feed and provide a place to rest. These are especially helpful if you want to take photographs of these tiny jeweled birds. Placed in front of a window, they provide a close view of the hummingbird at rest.
Step 6

Consider window feeders that attach to the outside of the window to allow small children or the homebound to observe hummingbirds up close. The calming affect of watching this little bird feed is soothing and peaceful. For the bedridden or those suffering from a disability, window feeders are a great way to enjoy feeding hummingbirds.
Step 7

Create a haven for hummingbirds by hanging a variety of feeders in your yard or on the patio. Hummingbirds can be very territorial and may fight over a single feeder or may leave the area in search of other food. Hanging a variety of feeders provides plenty of room for hummingbirds to feed. The more feeders you display, the more hummingbirds you will attract.

Comments

cjdugas said

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on 6/27/2009 Make sure you change the nectar out every week as it gets cloudy. If they aren't hitting the feeder alot, don't fill it up all the way.

gahazeleyes said

on 5/31/2009 Very nice article. There is something so relaxing about nature. Thanks

skyedanzer said

on 5/31/2009 Great info! I love humming birds.

Wasatch said

on 5/30/2009 We have a lot of fun watching the hummingbirds every year. We also have a mesh bag of thistle seed for gold finches. We never see them until the thistle seed is out, then we get dozens of them.