Hummingbirds are quite important for your yard as they help in maintaining its ecosystem. These delicate birds are very good pollinators, which helps the plants in your yard to grow well. This is also one of the crucial reasons why people put up special feeders in their yards.
However, it is also important to consider the height at which you hang them. A wrong spot can drive hummingbirds away instead of attracting them. This blog outlines the reasons for hanging feeders at the right height and factors to consider while hanging a hummingbird feeder.
Why Feeder’s Height Matters?
It is very common to assume that hummingbirds may not care about the height of the feeder, considering their swift movements. But feeder height plays a more important role than you can expect.
The feeder’s height influences its visibility, safety, convenience, and even affects the nectar’s freshness. It is best to choose a feeding spot that can offer a clear view of the surroundings for the hummingbird.
They would constantly be on the lookout for potential threats such as hawks, snakes, or even a larger bird. They do not feel safe around the feeder that is too close to bushes or the ground.
A feeder hung too high can be a hassle and difficult to maintain.
Where to Hang Hummingbird Feeders?
Hanging the feeder around 6 feet in the air is the ideal height for hummingbirds. While choosing the space, make sure to hang feeders in an open space. However, there should also be a nearby tree within its reach.
This will help the hummingbird to quickly fly to a safe zone if any danger arises. Considering this, make sure to place the feeder within 15 feet of a tree. In addition to this, make sure the space chosen has enough shade. This will help keep the nectar or the sweet water fresh without exposing it to the sun or heat.
Avoid hanging feeders directly from a tall tree branch. This will only lead to squirrels coming down from the branch and using the feeder. You can also opt to buy a pole for the feeder. But it is important to choose a pole that is not shorter than 6 feet.
It is important to keep in mind the bird collisions while choosing window feeders for hummingbirds. To avoid this, place the feeders very close to the glass or at some distance to prevent the crashes.
When to Hang Hummingbird Feeders?
It is ideal to hang hummingbird feeders in early May. In southern regions, migratory hummingbirds often visit sugar water feeders in your backyard as early as April.
You do not have to take down the feeders in the fall. Some people think that keeping feeders out in the fall will stop hummingbirds from migrating. However, there’s no proof of this.
It is important to hang the feeders at their ideal height during the migratory season, and this way, your yard will attract as many hummingbirds as possible.
Placement Tips for Your Hummingbird Feeders
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, it becomes very important to keep certain tips and tricks in mind. Here are a few things that you can follow when placing the feeders.
-
Make sure to hang the feeders in an area surrounded by colourful blooms. They are especially attracted to red and orange blooms.
-
The nectar you have prepared should remain fresh for the birds. To achieve this, place the feeders in a partially shaded area. Excessive heat and direct sunlight can spoil the nectar.
-
To reiterate, keep the feeders about 10-15 feet away from a tree or a shrub. This will help hummingbirds retreat to safety under any dangerous circumstances.
-
If you are planning to keep multiple feeders in your yard, then it is very important to have considerable space between them. Hummingbirds can get territorial, leading to quarrels amongst themselves. To avoid this, space your feeders carefully.
-
A feeder set higher than 6 feet can be hard for you to take care of. You will need a ladder or a lift-and-lower system to refill and clean the feeders, which may make maintenance work a task for many.
Conclusion
When the feeder is at the ideal height of 6 feet, it becomes easier for both the hummingbirds and the person taking care of the feeder. Placing the feeder at the right height and in a good location is important for them to find and use it regularly. This also creates a kind of reliable food source that keeps them coming back throughout the season.
