Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. Their speedy wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in midair and change direction instantly. Hummingbirds have captivated people for centuries with their beauty and aerial acrobatics.
When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to your yard, a hummingbird feeder is the best way to do it. But where is the optimal place to hang your hummingbird feeder? There are several factors to consider when choosing the perfect location for your feeder including visibility, access, shade and shelter, and safety. Read on as we explore the ideal placement for your hummingbird feeder.
Visibility
One of the most important factors in placing a hummingbird feeder is visibility. Hummingbirds have excellent vision and are drawn to the sight of feeders, especially bright red ones which they instinctively know hold sugary nectar. Choose a spot where your feeder will stand out and be noticed by nearby hummingbirds.
Good visibility also means situating the feeder where you can observe it and enjoy watching the hummingbirds come and go. Placing it near windows, porches, patios or in plain sight from seating areas in your yard allows you to see the action. Avoid tucking the feeder away in dense bushes or around a corner where neither you nor the hummingbirds will notice it.
Tips for Maximizing Visibility
- Hang the feeder on a tree branch, post or hook 3-5 feet off the ground.
- Position it in open areas clear from obstructions like walls or fences.
- Face the feeder ports towards windows or seating areas.
- Choose red or brightly colored feeders that stand out.
- Hang it at the edge of your yard or garden bordering woods or open land.
- Avoid cover from buildings, foliage or overhangs.
Proper visibility is key for attracting the maximum number of hummingbirds. Follow these tips to ensure your feeder is prominently displayed.
Access
Not only should hummingbirds be able to see your feeder clearly, they also need free and open access to it. There should be clear flight paths so the birds can easily approach the feeder without obstacles in their way.
Since hummingbirds can fly in any direction including backwards and upside-down, they don’t necessarily need a straight approach to the feeder. However, large trees and bushes, hanging branches, utility wires or walls too close to the feeder can impede access.
The area in front, above and around your feeder should be free of clutter. Consider the hummingbird’s small size and need to maneuver quickly when positioning the feeder. Adequate access encourages more birds to visit.
Tips for Allowing Open Access
- Prune back encroaching branches from trees and shrubs.
- Clear away vines on fences and walls near the feeder.
- Cut back large flowering plants that could block access.
- Select a hanging site away from dense vegetation.
- Make sure wires, ropes and trellises won’t entangle hummingbirds.
- Allow at least 3 feet clearance in all directions.
Keeping the space around your hummingbird feeder open and uncluttered provides ideal access for these agile fliers. Follow these tips to create accessible paths to your feeder.
Shade and Shelter
Hummingbirds are cold-blooded creatures so they seek shade in hot weather and shelter from rain and wind. Having shade plants or trees around your feeder provides escape from the sun’s heat. Evergreen trees and shrubs make great windbreaks to protect feeders from gusts while also offering cover from downpours.
Positioning your feeder out of direct sun prevents the nectar from fermenting and spoiling as quickly. Hot sun exposure can cause sugars in the nectar to break down faster leading to bacterial growth. Keeping feeders shaded allows the nectar to stay fresh longer.
Tips for Providing Shade and Shelter
- Hang the feeder under the canopy of trees or shrubs.
- Place it beside the north side of buildings or trellises.
- Locate feeders under patio covers, gazebos and porches.
- Allow morning sun but shade from hot afternoon rays.
- Surround feeder with flowering bushes to block wind.
- Position feeder on the leeward side of evergreen windbreaks.
Take advantage of shade patterns and existing structures when siting your feeder. Nutrition stations stayed stocked longer out of the sun, protected from the elements.
Safety
When deciding where to place your hummingbird feeder, safety is a priority for both the hummingbirds and yourself. There are a few precautions to take in selecting a secure mounting.
First, make sure the feeder is firmly attached and stable so it won’t fall. Hummingbirds can be quite territorial around feeders and aggressive chasing and jostling could dislodge poorly secured feeders. Use sturdy hooks, poles and hangers specifically designed for feeders.
Avoid locations where falling feeders could injure people, pets or damage property below. Overhangs, rooflines and terraces above driveways or walkways are hazardous. Check for electrical wires and other dangers overhead too.
Position the feeder away from areas where predators lurk. Cats watching from windows or patios will scare hummingbirds away. Bushes and dense foliage provide cover for stalking cats, snakes or other predators. An open lawn or spaced-out plantings are safer.
Tips for Safely Positioning Your Feeder
- Use metal S-hooks or poles designed for hanging bird feeders.
- Securely screw eye-bolts into wooden beams, posts and deck railings.
- Reinforce installation points on walls or eaves with metal washers.
- Place out of reach of prowling cats and predatory birds.
- Point openings towards open sky so birds aren’t trapped.
- Keep away from areas below that people or pets frequent.
- Install baffles or cages to deter squirrels and other climbers.
Taking precautions to hang your feeder safely ensures it stays put and creates a hazard-free haven for hummingbirds.
Where NOT to Hang a Hummingbird Feeder
Now that we’ve covered the best places to mount your hummingbird feeder, let’s also go over some locations you’ll want to avoid:
- Near busy roads – Exhaust fumes and noise will deter hummingbirds.
- Under roof overhangs – Rain dripping off the roof will spoil nectar faster.
- By trash cans or compost piles – Odors are unappealing and may attract other pests.
- On porches or patios – Cats may be able to swat at birds.
- In enclosed courtyards – Limits hummingbird access and escape routes.
- Beside hummingbird nests – Can disrupt feeding of chicks at nests.
- Under disco lights or bug zappers – Flashing lights could confuse and stun hummingbirds.
- Near noisy motors or machinery – Scares shy hummingbirds away.
- On chimneys or grills – Heat and smoke are hazardous.
Avoid these unsuitable areas when deciding where to place your feeder. Improper placement won’t draw in many visitors.
Ideal Hummingbird Feeder Locations
Now let’s look at some of the top-rated spots for hanging hummingbird feeders:
1. Edge of a Garden
Mounting a feeder on a post or hanging from a tree branch at the edge of a garden or backyard is ideal. It’s visible, has natural shade and flowers, avoids enclosures and is safely away from house cats. The border habitat beside woods or fields provides insects and nesting areas too.
2. Corner of a Porch or Deck
Angling a feeder off the corner of a porch or deck maximizes visibility. It’s up high for safety, has overhang protection from rain and is easily viewed through windows or glass doors. Avoid areas where cats have window access.
3. Shepherd’s Hook Pole
Single pole mounts with curved hook ends are perfect for suspending hummingbird feeders. Positioned away from homes in open yards, they supply unobstructed access. Use a pulley system for easy raising and lowering.
4. Clothesline Crossbeam
The metal crossbeams on retractable clotheslines make sturdy feeder hangers. They’re high enough to be safe from cats and allow open flying space underneath. Place them out in the yard for great visibility.
5. Fruit Tree Branch
Fruit trees make excellent feeding stations. Their blossoms attract hummingbirds while the leaves and branches give needed shade. Smaller crabapple, cherry or citrus trees work best. Ensure a clear flight path to the feeder.
6. Gazebos and Pavilions
The open roof design of gazebos and pavilions supplies weather shelter while allowing convenient feeder access. Mount one from the ceiling or beam so you can watch as you sit underneath. Keep surrounding flowers pruned back.
7. Large Front or Back Yard Tree
Hang your feeder on a low, outer branch of a large shade tree at the front or rear of your property. The high visibility will draw in passing hummers. Ensure the branch has a clear flight path without leaves and limbs obstructing it.
8. Picnic Table Umbrella Hole
Take advantage of the central umbrella hole on your picnic table. Get a tall, weighted tripod bird feeder pole to securely fit in the hole. It keeps the feeder visible and safe from cats above the tabletop.
9. Window Holder Suction Cups
For up-close viewing, mount a feeder right on your window with commercial suction cups or hooks. Be sure there is room for hummingbirds to comfortably feed without hitting the glass. Don’t let cats watch through the window.
These are just a few of the best spots to hang your hummingbird feeder for optimal action. Use your creativity and consider all the factors we discussed when deciding on placement. Proper feeder placement will create a hummingbird hotspot your visitors will flock to.
Types of Feeders and Mounts
There are many styles of hummingbird feeders and mounting accessories available to take advantage of different location possibilities:
Feeder Types
- Saucer Feeders – Flat, open circular design. Can mount under eaves or hang from hooks.
- Bottle or Jar Feeders – Nectar stored in plastic or glass containers. Hang from hooks or set on posts.
- Trumpet Feeders – Long, flared tubes. Hang or use clamps to mount on poles.
- Tower Feeders – Tall, central cylinder with multiple feeding ports. Use pole mounting bases.
- Window Feeders – Small reservoirs that attach directly to windows. Use suction cups or clamps.
Mounting and Hanging Accessories
- Shepherd’s Hooks – Ground mounted curved single poles that suspend feeders.
- Post Mounts – Brackets, clamps and bases to attach feeders to posts.
- Suction Cups – Adhesive cups that temporarily stick to windows.
- Chains – Allow adjustment of hanging height.
- Eye Bolts/Screw Hooks – Screw into wooden posts and overhangs.
- Umbrella Holders – Spike mounts fit into umbrella holes in tables.
Experiment with different feeder models and mounting accessories to discover your optimal placement solution.
Conclusion
Determining where to hang your hummingbird feeder takes some planning and experimentation. Keep in mind factors like visibility, access, shade, shelter and safety when selecting the best spot. Ideal feeder placement results in higher bird traffic to delight both you and the hummers.
Once you have your feeder installed in the perfect spot, sit back and enjoy the show. Relax as you watch the lightning-fast hummers buzz up to tank up on nectar. The right feeder location will have them speeding happily around your yard all season long. So choose carefully and you’ll be rewarded with peak hummingbird activity that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
