Best Hummingbird Feeders

In many areas hummingbirds are migratory, spending only a part of their year in our midst. There are exceptions, like in the Pacific Northwest where the Anna hummingbird is seen year round. Keeping feeders in your yard are a great way to encourage these tiny birds to visit often. There are some basic rules to follow:

Choose a feeder that you can easily clean, and keep a separate brush for cleaning your feeders. It’s not recommended that you use soap, and never use bleach. I clean my feeders often, use hot water, and use my brushes to clean the tiny openings that simulate the openings within the flower. This blue feeder is made with recycled glass and is etched with a beautiful hummingbird image in nature. Tip: feeders that have openings are designed so that the hummingbird uses their long beak and tongue to reach the nectar below. There is less contamination from insects like wasps who will gladly feed from those feeders with openings in downward facing tubes.

“Nectar” is so incredibly easy to make, and is just as good or better than commercially bought nectar. Simply boil water and then mix 4 parts water with 1 part plain white sugar. Don’t use honey, brown sugar, or anything else. Do not add food coloring, it is thought to be harmful to hummingbirds. Keep the mix ratio at 4:1 water to sugar, more is not better.

Place your feeders in the shade if at all possible. If they are in direct sun then clean them more often. Cloudy “nectar” is old and must be replaced.

There is such a great variety of feeders, and I am always adding to my own collection. I don’t think I will ever have too many feeders, for each year I find many more “newbies” at my feeders. Hummingbirds are very territorial, and the alpha’s will chase others away, so I try to scatter the feeders around the yard, keeping some degree of visibility from my windows.

One feeder that caught my eye is the 54 opening feeder. This gives a flower-like experience to the hummingbird, and they will quickly assess that this “flower” is abundant with nectar. If you do not already have the small hummingbird feeder port cleaning brush make sure you order a cleaning set at the same time!

Hummingbird fact: Did you know that hummingbirds can retain information on the flowers in their territory, knowing how quickly the flowers replenish their supply? During the flowering months my hummingbirds are seen working both natural flowers as well as feeders. They will even tap into some flowers before the flower opens!

know many individuals who ask for more hummingbirds to visit their yards. These tiny birds like to have hiding places and observation posts, someplace they will blend in where they can also view their territory. Red and yellow seem to be the most inviting colors, and you can display the color in the feeder, not the nectar. Another of my favorites is this yellow glass feeder. Place your feeders out, keep them clean, and send a spirit-to-spirit message to the hummingbirds that they are welcomed and appreciated. Mention “hummingbird shaman” in your soul-thoughts, and allow yourself to rise up into the calm and secure world of honor and “right-to-live” energy where the hummingbirds reside. Together we will Walk With Wings™.

Do you have a favorite feeder? We’d love to hear from you, what is your experience with the hummingbirds and other gifts of nature? Send us your comments and photos!

Blessings,
Estee, HummingbirdShaman™