Looking for an easy and affordable way to attract hummingbirds to your window? Creating a DIY window hummingbird feeder is a simple project that requires only a few materials. With step-by-step instructions, you can easily build your own custom feeder that will attract dozens of hummingbirds to your home! This article provides a list of materials needed, easy-to-follow instructions, and helpful tips for success, including guidance on how to keep your feeder clean and attract more birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, this DIY project is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment as you watch these beautiful creatures up close.
Materials needed
Watching hummingbirds is a delightful experience, especially if they come close to your window. A window hummingbird feeder can make this possible! Not only do they offer an up-close view of these tiny birds, but they also provide them with a source of food.
Materials Needed:
– Plastic bottle or jar
– Scissors or box cutter
– String or wire
– Nails or screws
– Glue gun or waterproof tape
– Red ribbon or paint (optional)
– Hummingbird nectar
Instructions:
1. Choose a bottle or jar that is sturdy enough to hold the nectar and withstand weather conditions. A clear plastic bottle works well, and it’s easy to clean.
2. Cut small holes on the sides of the bottle using scissors or a box cutter. The holes should be big enough for the birds to reach in and drink from but not too big that the nectar spills out.
3. Make two small holes at the top of the bottle to fit the string or wire through it. This will allow the bottle to hang from the window.
4. Secure the string or wire by tying knots or twisting them around the neck of the bottle.
5. Mount the feeder to the window using nails or screws. Be sure to locate it where you can easily see the birds.
6. Use a glue gun or waterproof tape to seal the edges of the holes, preventing leaks and spilling.
7. Add red ribbons or paint to attract hummingbirds. They are attracted to red color, which can be achieved by painting the bottle, tying a ribbon around it, or adding a few drops of red food coloring to the nectar.
8. Prepare the hummingbird nectar by mixing four parts water with one part white granulated sugar. Boil the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before filling the bottle.
9. Hang the feeder and enjoy watching hummingbirds feed from your window!
Step-by-step instructions
Materials:
– PVC pipe (4-6 inches in diameter and 12 inches long)
– Two PVC end caps
– Drill
– Hole saw (same size as the rubber stopper)
– Rubber stopper (same size as hole saw)
– Clear plastic container with lid (16 oz.)
– Paint or duct tape (optional)
Step 1: Start by drilling a hole in the center of one of the PVC end caps using the hole saw. This hole should be just big enough to fit the rubber stopper through.
Step 2: Next, drill several small holes (about 1/4 inch in diameter) around the top of the PVC pipe. These holes will allow the hummingbirds to access the nectar inside the feeder.
Step 3: Attach the other PVC end cap to the opposite end of the PVC pipe.
Step 4: Using paint or duct tape, cover the PVC pipe and end caps with a decorative design if desired.
Step 5: Cut a small slit in the center of the clear plastic container lid, just big enough to fit the rubber stopper through.
Step 6: Fill the container with homemade hummingbird nectar (a mixture of one part sugar and four parts water), leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Step 7: Insert the rubber stopper into the hole in the PVC end cap, then push it through the slit in the container lid so that the container is upside down and attached to the feeder.
Step 8: Hang the feeder outside your window using suction cups or any other appropriate method.
Tips for success
The first step in attracting hummingbirds is choosing the right feeder. Window feeders are an excellent choice as they offer unobstructed views of the birds, allowing you to observe them up close. Look for feeders that are easy to clean and refill, have multiple feeding ports, and are leak-proof to prevent nectar spillage. You can also choose feeders with built-in ant moats to keep ants away from the nectar.
Once you have selected your feeder, it’s time to fill it with nectar. Homemade nectar is simple to prepare by mixing one part granulated sugar with four parts boiling water. Allow the mixture to cool before filling your feeder. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners as they can harm hummingbirds.
To attract hummingbirds, place your feeder in a location that is visible from inside your home and has some protection from the sun and wind. Hummingbirds prefer to feed from flowers that are red, orange, or pink, so consider adding potted plants or hanging baskets nearby in these colors. Keep in mind that hummingbirds are territorial, so if you have multiple feeders, space them out to reduce competition.
Cleaning your feeder regularly is essential to maintain a healthy environment for the birds. Nectar should be changed every 2-3 days, or more frequently during hot weather. Empty any unused nectar, rinse the feeder with hot water and use a bottle brush to scrub the feeding ports. Avoid using soap or detergent as they can leave residues that are harmful to hummingbirds. If you notice mold or mildew, soak the feeder in a solution of one-part white vinegar to four parts water for at least an hour before rinsing thoroughly.
In conclusion, attracting hummingbirds to your window feeder requires a bit of effort, but the reward of observing these enchanting creatures up close is worth it. Remember to select the right feeder, use homemade nectar, place your feeder in the right location, and clean it regularly. With these tips, you can create an inviting environment for hummingbirds and enjoy their company all season long.
FAQ
Q1. What materials do I need to make a DIY window hummingbird feeder?
To make a DIY window hummingbird feeder, you will need a plastic container with a lid, a hot glue gun, a pair of scissors, string or wire, and some red-colored items like ribbon or beads to attract the hummingbirds.
Q2. How do I attach the hummingbird feeder to my window?
You can use string or wire to hang your DIY hummingbird feeder from your window. You can also use suction cups with hooks to stick the feeder to your window.
Q3. How can I ensure my DIY hummingbird feeder is safe for the birds?
To ensure your DIY hummingbird feeder is safe for the birds, it is recommended that you clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Also, avoid using toxic materials or chemicals when making the feeder.
Q4. What is the best time of day to fill the DIY hummingbird feeder?
Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so it is recommended that you fill your DIY hummingbird feeder during these times. It is also important to note that during the summer months when temperatures are high, you may need to refill the feeder more frequently to provide the birds with enough nectar.
