Please buy these-- they are around $6 - $10 US Dollars. They are stickers you put on the window that have birds crashing into them. It is invisible to human eyes but visible to birds.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OE5HIG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I ordered these ant moats off Amazon and put a little cooking oil in them.
I'm using the feeders in the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KMRD3VS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I really don't recommend them. They are pretty flimsy (all plastic) and difficult to clean. They are good for taking shots of humming birds since they are single feeders and all you have to do point the camera in one direction and focus.
That looks fantastic! I am looking at this
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B085C5LQN3/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A1AFE06I3J7GQP&psc=1
There is a video at the bottom comments section (Mike in SF) that shows how best to "install" this so it doesn't float around like some of the comments say. I like the idea that it is solar powered.
The one you posted looks fairly easy too and I might look into that.
They love to have a water source and a fountain (solar) is a great addition to feeder stations. Look out for where you put it though. There are some helpful videos about how and where to install them.
I havent had the time to really use it to give you a thorough review. Know that is only a long distance lens.
There are others that you can build on. Amazon accepts returns no questions asked which helps. I tried a few until I ended up with this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB6N6LJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_67kFJtHyYpVrR
I use these - $6.86 on Amazon - because they are dual purpose. Used by both the hummingbirds and orioles. Same food, just has holes that are slightly larger to accommodate the Orioles. Been using them for 3 years
First Nature 3088 32-ounce Oriole Feeder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VA33AS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_rNkLEbQJXMEG5
I had the same problem with this exact feeder until I through it in the trash and got these. My fiancée saved the colorful glass for garden art but I swapped the feeders AND moved them to a new location away from the house and garage.
>I really love these feeders: https://www.copperhummingbird.com
I have some like this but they completely ignore them if the old fashioned flower ones with the upright bottle are available to them.
I once tried using this kind exclusively and I went from having dozens of humming birds constantly at my feeders (and going through about a cup of sugar a day, which can feed about 50 hummers) to having only fleeting glimpses of them at peak times. I switched back to the fake flower ones pretty quick.
I notice when I change the feeder they come around impatiently wanting you to hurry up and give them more food. I love this feeder because it's so easy to clean and is all glass.
These are a god send! Built in moat and super easy to clean. I spray with vinegar and rinse and I never get mold.
Juegoal 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CBJ7LV6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is really well done, and I'm sure other birds will enjoy this; however, I don't think hummers will use this.
I have two hummer fountains, I get about an average of 50 hummers visiting all day, some probably the same hummers.
Here are the two fountains I have. They have a flat surface level where the water retains maybe a quarter of inch on the surface.
The first one is still available on amazon and has the highest traffic:
The other I have is a Tavolo Floral Fountain by Ellen Degeneres. It's not manufactured anymore but if you google image that keyword, you can get a great idea.
I have this feeder -- it took a long time for the hummingbirds to notice it, but once they did, they use it regularly!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079NWZXT1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?
If you build it they will come...
Use an "ant moat" with water to block ants
I like this feeder Hummzinger "Hummblossum"
https://www.amazon.com/Aspects-433-HummZinger-HummBlossom-Rose/dp/B07MSBJ22P/ref=asc_df_B07MSBJ22P/
I just purchased this one today. I want to hand feed them but after I received it, I mounted them on my office window and put a webcam made by Wyze that I wasn't using right next to it, inside the window. So now I'm going to be able to watch them from anywhere.
We use this https://www.amazon.com/Aspects-Mini-HummBlossom-Hummingbird-Feeder/dp/B00DWIDWCU/ref=asc_df_B00DWIDWCU/
I wonder if putting out water for the other birds would help. In some areas the drought is very bad
Leaky feeders are the worst. I have been through a few. I got this one recently and my hummers really love it. Liquid will come out of the flowers if you fill it too much and don’t put the lid on carefully, but otherwise it doesn’t leak. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Wild-Wings-Garden-Glass-Illuminated-Spring-Rain-Glass-Hummingbird-Feeder/1000609547?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-ggl-_-LIA_SOL_109_Patio-_-1000609547-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W-zvUteBb4br2RHX-...
This one is also great and has never leaked. I did change out to flowers for ones with perches though. https://www.chewy.com/perky-pet-antique-bottle-hummingbird/dp/134051?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12685591164&utm_content=Perky-Pet&utm_term=&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V3DlenarGitVE0dGFowhX_Xd&gclid=EAIaIQob...
I agree with all this, except the 7-10 days, that’s far too long in most circumstances. If it’s hot, you should change it closer to every two days, if it’s just warm, every 4 or 5 days is probably okay, but like you suggested it also depends on if they’re in shade or in direct sun. I would never leave the same nectar for 10 days even if it was cold out. It can hurt them to drink sour nectar and they also will remember your house as offering bad food, and they’ll go elsewhere.
I would also add that it’s better to use extremely simple saucer feeders without detachable flowers. Mold grows fast and all the extra pieces on fancy looking feeders just gives the mold a place to grow. I suggest something like this: Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors Applies to All Birds,Leak-Proof Hummer Bird Feeder Outside,Easy to Clean and Fill,Including 3 Cleaning Brush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096VTTZDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_87QVCWMK4BRZ0VVDS347
Might I recommend buying some anti-collison stickers for your problematic windows.
You can find them on Amazon by searching: WindowAlert Anti-Collison Decal or by checking out this link: <em>https://www.amazon.com/WINDOWALERT-WA-HUMMINGBIRD-WindowAlert-Hummingbird-Decals/dp/B001OE5HIG</em>
Cheap and many designs to choose from, they definitely have been effective.
It’s from Amazon. It’s cute. Has a little frog and lily pad at the top. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NTQA6E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MYSFA3WG1G6ZWTV39FRS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you aren't in the habit of cleaning it thoroughly every week, I would suggest a feeder easier to clean like this one:
Those type of feeders need to be disassembled weekly and deep cleaned with diluted bleach.
The Best-1 hummingbird feeder made in Poteet, TX (not sure why that always makes me laugh) has replacement parts but the base is plastic. Not pretty but they last forever are easy to clean and have different sizes.
It's not ideal. You can make an ant moat with two different sized bowls.
I think I see soil at the top? Consider purchasing a shepherd's hook.
And with the best of intentions, may I ask what your nectar formula is? I don't know if that's the glass/plastic hue, but that looks a bit orangey.
You want to try and stay away from soap if at all possible as soap can leave residue and contaminate the nectar. I soak my feeders in hot water with a cup or two of vinegar. This brush set is invaluable for cleaning the spouts and bottle interior. Then I rinse very well in hot water and refill with fresh nectar.
I use these ones. All glass, smooth, very few places to collect mold, easy to clean. Caveat is that they are on the smaller side and only 3 ports.
They make fake crows that look like a real dead crow. You can hang it somewhat nearby and this will usually deter the crows.
It’s nice. Believe I bought this one at Ace Hardware. It’s glass bottle. Holds about 4 cups. $30 I believe.
I also got a smaller one from Amazon: Small Hummingbird Feeder
The smaller feeder is under $20.
I bought something similar - it attaches to the bottom of your feeder, and has a 7W incandescent bulb that shines up and keeps the nectar above freezing. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078CY275X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm in SW VA, and have a ruby-throated hummingbird that is still here. Last night was our first night in the low 20's, and this device kept the nectar liquid so it was ready for him first thing.
I have this kind of feeder and only put in enough for two days. It doesn't drip out, so I guess it's a combo of a gravity and bowl. 3/4 of a cup fills up to the top of the solid red part. I hope this helps.
Peaktop Floor Glazed Pot Water Fountain with Built-in LED Light and Pump for Outdoor Indoor Patio Garden Backyard Decking Home Décor, 17 inch Height, Red, 17" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W6T099U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4W2YYJX1YCNFBN3CHJQF
I use these--I found them at a local pet food store next to the hummingbird feeders. They're great for cleaning feeder ports and other crevices.
I only use the very basic saucer type feeders because they’re the easiest to clean. Something like this Limited-time deal: eWonLife Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging, 2 Pack, Leak-Proof, Easy to Clean and Fill, Saucer Humming Feeder for Hummer Birds, Including Hanging Hook, with 5 Feeder Ports (16 OZ/Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G129XMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_NXAF3K8ED0866F8HAQQJ
Sugar water (emergencies)
Or, ideally,
Nekton 1 Piece Nektar Plus Nectar Concentrate For Lories And Hummers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YC912VG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4MSP4TBYB4DS0VK138N1
It has some protein to help heal their body
K'Nex. Cool solution.
I'm building an insect feeder for my hummingbirds and found this for perches. https://www.amazon.com/Round-Plastic-Macrame-Craft-Rings/dp/B076YYCTFZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=5%22+plastic+rings+for+crafts&qid=1619919055&sr=8-8 Macrame...
OP, you are clearly a bird lover so those are tough losses. I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like you are doing a lot of due diligence by utilizing anti-collision products.
Several more things to consider..
Are you sure orange is the most effective color for the strips? Nectivorous birds are most attracted to red, orange, yellow colors so i’m wondering if using blue, purple or black strips would be worth giving a try.
Also, feeder placement is close to your house and therefore your windows. Perhaps consider moving the feeders a little further away; maybe to a tree or affix them to a hook? I’m wondering if that might help.
If curtains are too expensive right now, have a look at this:
rabbitgoo Window Privacy Film, Rainbow Window Clings, 3D Decorative Window Vinyl, Stained Glass Window Decals, Static Cling Window Sticker Non-Adhesive, 23.6 x 78.7 inches
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RDVD56U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1Y92B4ESXKHXBR0ASH32
It allows for more privacy and would obscure the issue of birds seeing the forest between your windows .Also a potential benefit - it will still let light into your interior space.
Finally, reddit user u/real_anne_hutchinson has a doctorate in hummingbirds and ecology. They may have more expertise than us enthusiasts. Maybe message them them?
Good luck protecting your birds and safeguarding your home.
It's an ant moat that I keep filled with water to prevent ants from getting to the nectar. There's also a small, shallow ant moat built into the feeder itself but it's not robust enough to work well. Maybe your eye noticed it because the black color clashes with the red feeder. I wanted to order a red ant moat to match the feeder, but at the time I ordered it, black was the only color in stock. (My other hummer feeder has a red one that looks better).
It's the very popular First Nature feeder with the holes. I tried the one with slits from Walmart but all I saw were birds coming, pecking the plastic (not finding the slits), and leaving.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY2S16M
I think lots of First Nature feeders have the same design. The feeder worked fine for a few months, but then the bees started in the last couple weeks.
More Birds Ant Guard for Hummingbird Feeders, Red, 3.5-Inch Diameter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072BVU4A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1PVSYGZPZN6GR234YH4H
You can get or make something like this ant baffle, I wouldn’t worry about a few bees. Hornets and wasps might be worth addressing but bees are pretty harmless.
Yes, they are more attracted to yellow than red.
I have used these red ones with success, but obviously they don't work on all types of feeders.
Get a couple of these. They will sit inches from you and eat, once they realize that you can't get through the window at them the little guys get quite brazen.
I bought it on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KMRD3VS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Other than for taking videos and photos, I would not recommend it. It's pretty flimsy and all plastic. It's also difficult to clean. However, these humming birds can comfortably pose for photos and videos with this feeder.
I have this one and love it. Not only is it plastic-free (the packaging did contain some styrofoam 😕) and attractive, but it’s also fully dishwasher safe. And, after experiencing a top-fill feeder, I will never go back to upside-down ones.
Thank you! Honestly I just got it off Amazon. It's def super cheap, but so are traditional plastic feeders, and this was around the same price, so I figured I might as well go for the cute angle!
This is by far my favorite feeder. I have others that are pretty and that they use just fine. This one is tried and true. I will always have at least one of these. They use it, if not the most, definitely top 2. It’s easy to clean, which is the most important quality to have in my opinion. When a feeder is hard to clean, you don’t want to do it, you don’t want to fill it with clean nectar, therefore you won’t be a dependable feeding site for your birds. The bottle is shaped in a way that you can get a bottle brush in there pretty easily. The flowers come completely apart so you can clean them well. Very easy to fill, great ant mote too! Good luck!
Perky-Pet 204CP-4 Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder – 16 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079LVW7RS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PDXZQD6EB9ZD43X5KQMC
We have lots of hummingbirds in our area and the below feeders and nectar work great.
The smaller sized feeder allows you to change the nectar more frequently and it’s easy to clean. On top of that all the parts are plastic and remove-able. I’ve tried other feeders and like these the best.
The Kaytee nectar is a hit with the hummingbirds in our area. They even fight over it. When it’s in stock Amazon sells it for about $10.99 it goes higher if it’s not in stock from other sellers so I would wait or make your own nectar.
Perky Pet 203CPBN-2 8. oz Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder – 2 Pack, Red https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B084WCBB6X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8WKN8E8XJMCBTE13VCME
Kaytee 100506148 Ready to Use Hummingbird ElectroNectar, 64 Ounces, Clear https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007FJ0FJU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3YR1VBKHXV9SBM2R9V80?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have two of these and they are extremely easy to clean, and don't leak... They are also cheaper and just as good as the Hummzingers, but they have a bigger well.
https://www.amazon.com/Juegoal-Hanging-Hummingbird-Feeder-Feeding/dp/B0756B3CGF
Solatec Solar Fountain, Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountain Pump 1.4W Solar Panel Kit Water Pump,Outdoor Watering Submersible Pump for Pond, Pool, Garden, Fish Tank, Aquarium https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B077215M1R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wJlTCbKSZWJT0
She said the hummingbirds loved it.
I had one like this that never got used. Switched to this recycled glass feeder and I have hummers constantly, now.
All my feeders are glass, but all the bases are plastic. There is a style that i have that never leak. Its this type of base:
These are also great feeders. The plastic feeders i've had tend to have the plastic dry out and crack after a few years, thats why i prefer glass.