Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to many homeowners. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they zip from flower to flower in search of nectar. One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by putting up feeders. But where is the ideal location to hang them? Do hummingbirds prefer feeders that are close to your home or further away?
The Pros of Putting Feeders Near Your House
There are several advantages to locating hummingbird feeders close to your home:
- Convenience – It’s easier to fill and clean the feeders if they are right by your door. You don’t have to lug food and supplies across the yard.
- Visibility – You’ll be able to watch the hummingbirds come and go from your kitchen or living room window. The closer the feeder is, the better your view will be.
- Protection from predators – Situating feeders near the house may shield hummingbirds from cats, hawks, and other predators. These birds have many enemies, so keeping feeders in a safe spot is important.
Here is a table summarizing the pros of putting hummingbird feeders close to your house:
Pros |
---|
Convenience |
Good visibility |
Protection from predators |
The Cons of Putting Feeders Near Your House
On the other hand, there are also some potential downsides to putting hummingbird feeders too close to your residence:
- Disturbance – A feeder right by your front door or under a window may end up disturbing you with the buzzing and chirping of visiting hummingbirds throughout the day.
- Mess – As hummingbirds feed, they often drip nectar. This can lead to sticky messes on porches, windows, walls, etc. The closer the feeder is, the more likely your house will get dripped on.
- Increased predation – Feeders very near the house may actually attract predators to the area. Cats may sit in waiting under your feeder.
Below is a table outlining the cons of placing feeders too close:
Cons |
---|
Disturbance from noise |
Nectar messes on house |
May attract predators |
Ideal Distance from the House
So what is the best distance to place hummingbird feeders from your house? Most experts recommend positioning feeders 5-10 feet away from your home. Here are some of the benefits of this distance:
- Allows convenient filling, cleaning, and viewing
- Reduces disturbance from noise
- Lessens likelihood of nectar mess on house
- Still deters some predators
5-10 feet from doors, windows, or eaves is generally ideal. This ensures you can easily see and service the feeders while minimizing downsides.
Where to Hang Feeders
In addition to the distance from your house, also carefully consider which side of your home to hang feeders based on these factors:
- Tree coverage – Hummingbirds like dispersed feeders near some trees or bushes they can perch in.
- Wind and weather – Put feeders in protected spots away from high winds and rain. Porches or eaves work well.
- Morning sun – East or southeast exposure is great so morning sunlight hits the feeders.
- View from indoors – Ensure you’ll be able to see the feeders from favorite rooms.
Here is a table with criteria to consider for optimal feeder placement:
Criteria for Feeder Placement |
---|
Near trees/bushes for perching |
Protected from wind and rain |
Morning sun exposure |
Visible from indoors |
Types of Feeders
When selecting hummingbird feeders, you’ll find various styles from which to choose. Here are some of the most common types:
- Funnel/Bottle Feeders – Nectar is stored in bottle and accessed through feeding ports with a built-in funnel/tongue design. Easy to fill and clean.
- Saucer Feeders – Wide, circular reservoirs with feeding holes that allow multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. Tend to leak more.
- Tube Feeders – Nectar is stored in vertical tubes with feeding holes. Allows hummingbirds to cling and feed.
This table summarizes the main feeder types:
Feeder Type | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Funnel/Bottle | Easy to fill/clean | Only 1-2 feeding spots |
Saucer | Allows multiple birds | Tends to leak nectar |
Tube | Hummingbirds can cling | Harder to fill and clean |
Nectar Tips
Filling your feeder with homemade nectar is simple. Here are some tips:
- Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar. No need for food coloring or honey.
- Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes to dissolve sugar. Let cool before filling.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather. Every 5 days in cooler temps.
- Never use old nectar. Always make a fresh batch.
- Store extra nectar in fridge up to two weeks. Discard if moldy.
Proper nectar maintenance will keep your hummingbirds happy and healthy. Follow these best practices for clean, fresh food.
DIY Nectar Recipe
Try this easy homemade nectar recipe to fill your feeders:
Ingredients:
- 1 part white sugar
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
- Allow to cool completely before filling feeders.
- Store extra nectar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
To create an optimal bird-viewing experience in your yard, locate hummingbird feeders 5-10 feet from your home. Choose a spot with a bit of tree cover that allows views from inside. Select a quality feeder and maintain fresh nectar to attract the most hummingbirds. With a little thoughtful placement and care, you’ll be rewarded with hours of up-close viewing of these energetic little pollinators.