Make hummingbird feeders at home with this DIY guide
What's the story
Building your own DIY hummingbird feeders is a fun and fulfilling activity, merging the creativity of crafting with the tranquility of bird watching.
This easy project beautifies your outdoor space while also supporting the survival of these captivating creatures.
By investing a little time, you can create a haven for hummingbirds that will uplift your spirits and foster a sense of peace and connection to the natural world.
Materials
Choosing the right materials
To make a DIY hummingbird feeder, you will need a clean, empty plastic bottle or glass jar, sugar, water, red non-toxic paint (optional), and a few basic crafting tools.
Deciding between plastic and glass is a matter of personal preference and safety concerns.
While glass offers durability and ease of cleaning, it also poses a risk of shattering. Plastic, on the other hand, is lightweight and more resilient to falls.
Solution
Preparing the sugar solution
Hummingbirds love nectar for its sweet, sweet sugar.
To whip up some DIY nectar, just stir one part white granulated sugar into four parts water until the sugar totally disappears.
Don't use honey or fake sugars - those can hurt hummingbirds.
Your homemade nectar is super close to the real deal they sip from flowers.
Assembly
Assembling the feeder
Drill or poke small holes in the lid of your container to allow the birds to access the nectar.
For bottles, you might want to cut the bottom off and invert it into a tray for nectar collection. This ensures the birds can feed without difficulty.
Painting parts of your feeder red helps attract hummingbirds without requiring you to dye the solution.
Placement
Placement tips for maximum attraction
Hummingbirds will be more inclined to frequent your feeder if it's positioned in a secure area, away from predators and protected from strong winds.
Hang your feeder close to vibrant flowers or plants that hummingbirds are naturally drawn to, but make sure it's at least four feet above the ground to discourage cats and other critters.
Change the solution every three days to avoid fermentation and the growth of mold.
Observing
Observing without disturbing
Once your DIY hummingbird feeder is operational, the key is to appreciate these miniature marvels without causing them stress.
Leverage the power of binoculars to get intimate glimpses while keeping a respectful distance.
Capture their fleeting visits through the lens of a camera or the pages of a nature journal.
This not only amplifies the therapeutic benefits of this tranquil pastime by stimulating different senses but also cultivates mindfulness.