Birdfeeders

Because feeding hummingbirds is so popular, there are lots and lots of styles of hummingbird feeders available. It is important to know a few basics before shopping for a hummingbird feeder for it is quite disappointing to get one with problems. The first priority is color. Most of the best hummingbird feeders have bright red parts to attract the attention of hummingbirds just as red flowers do. Other bright colors can work, but red seems to work the best. I have found that it is best to have feeders that have ports that face up. I have had more than one hummingbird feeder with ports on the side or facing down and they all seem to leak. There are often really neat looking ceramic hummingbird feeders at craft fairs, etc., but not only do they leak usually, there is no way to clean them. They are attractive but totally unpractical. I think the best hummingbird feeders are either clear plastic or glass so you can monitor the nectar level, have bright red parts, top feeding ports and can be taken apart easily for cleaning. The other consideration is capacity. That depends on how busy your hummingbird feeder is. I have found that a larger capacity is better. In the spring when hummers are just arriving, I only fill it about half way so I can clean it every couple of days and not waste nectar. During the busiest times, I can completely fill it and not have to refill it daily. Then be sure to hang it near a window for easy viewing and in a place that is easy for the hummingbirds to find it and easy for you to reach it for cleaning and refilling.