DIY Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds migrate north from Central America and Mexico in late winter. During this migration, these tiny powerhouses fly up to 33 miles per hour, covering the Gulf in a nonstop 20-hour flight. Their wings, which appear to humans as a blur, beat up to 5,400 times per minute. Despite being some of the smallest birds on earth, they are mighty and, not to mention, ravenous.
With a few upcycled household goods, you can construct a DIY hummingbird feeder to help these vibrant beauties refuel along their journey.
DIY Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds drink nectar while flapping their wings in the air. They dart their forked tongues out of their beaks approximately 13 times per second. The edges of their tongues roll inward to bring nectar inside their mouth. They consume roughly double their body weight daily, so they’ll appreciate an all-you-can-slurp nectar buffet on your porch.
Materials
- Small jar with lid (preferably a spice jar as jam jars require the use of a drill)
- Twine
- Scissors
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Small saucepot
- Optional: red embellishments (pompoms, pipe cleaners, construction paper, etc.)
Method
Step 1: Clean the Jar
Hummingbirds will be deterred by jars and bottles that smell of spices, so give your jar a good scrub and remove any labels.
Step 2: Make Nectar
Boil the water on the stove. Mix in the sugar and stir for 2 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
Step 3: Secure the Top
If repurposing a spice jar, simply tear off the top flap of the cap, exposing the small holes. If using a jam jar, drill holes in the top, about the width of a common straw. (Any bigger, and you’ll attract bees and flies instead.)
Step 4: Attach Twine
Wind the twine around the jar just under the lid and knot. Make a loop at the top for easy hanging.
Step 5 (Optional): Add Red Embellishments
Hummingbirds are attracted to warm colors, especially red. Decorate your bird feeder with red pipe cleaners, pompoms, or ribbons. Then pour in the nectar and screw on the top. Hang your feeder on a tree branch or garden hook.
Keep Feeders Clean
It’s critical to rinse feeders in warm water every week to prevent harmful bacteria from building up. If you see mold, add rice and vinegar to the water and shake the feeder. Then rinse with water and scrub with a toothbrush or bottlebrush if needed.
Keep hummingbirds flying your way by adding a hummingbird garden to your yard.
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