How to Feed & Attract Hummingbirds 101 // Feeder care, ethics, garden tips

Рет қаралды 87,129

Күн бұрын

How to get your garden or apartment balcony to be FILLED with beautiful and happy hummingbirds! A deep dive into habitat requirements, feeder care, ethics, pros and cons, and how to garden to attract hummingbirds.
**SOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED***
→Audubon's How to Make Hummingbird Nectar Recipe:
www.audubon.org/news/how-make...
→ Audubon's Hummingbird Feeding FAQs: www.audubon.org/news/hummingb...
→How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard: www.audubon.org/content/how-c...
→Vancouver Island's Overwintering Hummers: www.vancouverislandfreedaily....
→Audubon’s Hummingbirds at Home Program: www.audubon.org/conservation/...
**HUMMINGBIRD RESEARCH***
→ Hummingbirds and bumble bees exposed to neonicotinoid and organophosphate insecticides in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada: setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com...
→ The Effect of Floral Abundance on Feeder Censuses of Hummingbird Populations: academic.oup.com/condor/artic...
→How the Presence of Feeders Affects the Use of Local Floral Resources by Hummingbirds: A Case Study from Southern Arizona
academic.oup.com/condor/artic...
**COMMUNITY LINKS***
INSTAGRAM: @wildbiologist
CHANNEL DISCORD: / discord
SUPPORT MY WORK: / wildbiologist
WEBSITE:
EMAIL: biologistkristina@gmail.com
00:00 - 00:51 Introduction
00:51- 3:30 Food sources
03:30 - 04:30 Nesting habitat
04:30 - 06:00 habitat bonuses
06:00 - 06:55 Intro to feeders
06:55 - 09:03 basic products
09:03 - 09:57 diy nectar
09:57 - 10:57 cleaning feeders
10:57 - 12:37 feeder placement, troubleshooting
12:37 - 19:24 are feeders ethical?

Пікірлер: 207

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Do you have a hummingbird feeder? Hit the thumbs up on this video if you love hummers :)

@isabellaowen4146 3 жыл бұрын

I doubt I'm going to get any in London 🤣

@CanadianPermacultureLegacy 3 жыл бұрын

This may be dating me a bit, and I don't think anyone still uses that term to describe um, something completely different than hummindbirds, but you may still want to check the phrasing on that LOL

@cindye7281 3 жыл бұрын

@@CanadianPermacultureLegacy I thought the same thing. Why must we be so filthy-minded? 😂

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Lol I have no idea what you guys are talking about so I think it might be outdated slang? Idk haha I hear other people say hummer a lot

@florcaldito610 3 жыл бұрын

I do not have yet ma'am but the eggs i shared to you last few weeks were already htched😂 i think, i got it wrong, i think the bird that was murdered by my cat is the male one or the one who hatched the eggs were male idk. Haha but good thing both babies birdie were alive💚

@robertjacobs861 Жыл бұрын

You didn’t mention the flowers on the hummingbird feeders. I’ve heard that these need to be carefully cleaned with something like a mascara brush because mold can easily grow in the flower holes. We started feeding hummingbirds and other birds in 2020 when we were all home avoiding COVID, and it has been such a joy.

@squadiodatamj5998 Жыл бұрын

I learned (after much waste) to use a smaller amount of liquid food and change often, I use a bottle brush to clean my glass feeder (with the narrow neck).

@stevenkolden 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this! I immediately took down my feeders and cleaned them. I will clean them twice a week now.

@BrittanyS143 10 ай бұрын

Yeah great video!! People don't know they cant have iron! They don't eat in 2 days they will pass away. Thank you for helping!

@orbsphere- 10 ай бұрын

If there is a problem with ants the dish type feeder has a little well around the hanger. Fill with water to keep ants from getting into feeder. The tall cylindrical feeders can have a problem with weeping nectar attracting ants. No need to waste time boiling sugar water mixture to sanitize, as soon as first bill goes in, mixture will become contaminated. Great vid with lots of good info. Thanks for sharing. Also was good point about once a person starts to feed any birds, they become dependent on the source.

@billseto7920 10 ай бұрын

One year in the winter my feeder froze because it was an unusual cold winter , so I used an old coffee container installed a light bulb to provide so heat to keep the feeder from freezing thru the winter and the same type of feeder you had illustrated with six flowers sat on top. So the hummingbirds were able to feed all winter long in Burnaby. Plus I added a plastic lid above the feeder because when it snowed the hummingbirds couldn’t see the flower ports to feed from. Thanks so much for your advice.

@pilgrim985 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought a hummingbird feeder yesterday, like the plastic one you have in this video. It’s my the first time and I really appreciate you making this video so I do everything properly and don’t hurt the hummingbirds. Thanks!

@babuthomas2650 Жыл бұрын

I wonder how long it takes for the 1 St hummingbird locate the feeder and star using it . 2) how often should I change the sugar syrup content in the feeder

@cindye7281 3 жыл бұрын

Bird feeder info wanted! This video was great - covered several things I hadn't thought of.

@samk5538 2 күн бұрын

Thanks Kristina, excellent information! It took a week to see my first female Anna Hummingbird after putting up my feeder. Then nothing for a few days? Today having a cup of coffee on the back deck she returned and took a few sips and drank some water out of the ant barrier cup! I will add a couple more of the small saucer style feeders in other locations of the back yard and I’m going to add a small solar recirculating fountain bird bath for a more attracting environment Thanks again

@BoO034 3 жыл бұрын

Keep educating everyone Kristina! Love your videos😁

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@lindapedersen-hylka7170 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Lots of info here. As soon as it was done I went out & cleaned my feeders (vinegar & water). I also set up an alarm on my phone to remind me to change & clean the water twice a week. Thank you

@tiffineyjenkins4681 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video. I just put mine out 2 weeks ago and saw one the other day. Bought a picnic table for squirrels. So excited. Yes do a bird feeder video please

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

A picnic table for squirrels?!?

@Kitpu917 2 ай бұрын

Ty for this video and reminding folks how important it is to frequently clean your feeders

@LoveThatBassMRO 23 күн бұрын

I appreciate your video. It was very thorough, and it covered all the topics that I personally feel, needed to be addressed in order to feel the confidence to get started properly. Especially, having a cleaning schedule for the feeder!! Embarrassingly enough, I never would’ve thought to implement a cleaning schedule for the feeder, if not for your video. Thank you. 🙏🏼

@shawndayvis6169 Жыл бұрын

You have gorgeous eyes....just making an observation. I just started my humming bird feeder project, hung it under an overhang. So far so good

@willied1942 Жыл бұрын

we had a Hummingbird we named Pickles because it would perch on one of our Cucumber plants....She Stayed around for about 4 years ...We love hummingbirds they are so fun to watch....Bill & Peggy...Alvin Texas

@frederickfaubus242 Жыл бұрын

Darlin’ To answer your question about regular bird feeders and you doing a video, yes. I found you very informative and easy on the eyes. Faubus

@thearoff1560 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the information. I'm a beginner in bird feeding and hummingbird feeding and your information is enlightening and very helpful.

@cactusdot 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Can't wait to see the bird feeder one :)

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

testing a few tips and learning in the meantime :)

@user-jj2xx6tw7u 16 күн бұрын

Yes more bird videos. Thank you

@geoffserata8437 11 ай бұрын

Great Video! I love humming birds too! A couple of thoughts: I like your Cadillac, and have one, but my favorite is the First Nature. Cheap, awesome simple design, easy to clean! I agree with the 4:1 mix, no dyes or extras. I bring the 4-cups of water to a boil, add the 1-cup of sugar, *lift the pot to stir and dissolve the sugar (lifting the pot to stir guarantees the sugar won't caramelize), return to boil and remove from heat. Makes a quart. This prevents fermentation. Refrigerate mix. I fill only enough for 2-3 days, early season, to reduce waste and clean 2-3x/wk. I am currently filling the large First Nature feeder 2×daily. It's taken several years on this organic farm, NE Tennessee to cultivate this population at the feeders. Mostly the Ruby and I think some Broad Tails. Have fun, be responsible. If you watch wildlife more than digital technology, your life will have more joy and greater balance❤ Another ethical consideration: When I lived in Montana, I learned that I could prolong/delay the local hummingbird migration by leaving feeders out. **Hummingbirds do not tolerate cold temps. Many die while sleeping bc their heart rate naturally becomes very slow. Slow heart rate + cold temps = sick or frozen birds. Learn your local season and pull feeders early. Please don't accidentally kill them because their long migration was delayed....

@user-mh9dw4em6x Жыл бұрын

Bird feeder 101 sounds good!

@azuldragonfly 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. Just bought a feeder and this info helps so much.❤❤❤

@darcymccoy6369 Ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. Very informative. I just bought a hummingbird feeder so I'm glad to know the importance of keeping it clean and to use vinegar and water rather than dish soap.

@jerrymccutcheon1680 3 ай бұрын

thank you! van isle is a wonderful place to live. this vid is helping me keep our island beautiful ! good job!

@eleanorwittering3126 7 ай бұрын

I love your back yard. I droll over natural, organic native spaces people cultivate in their back yards. It's so healthy for the little creatures who are being edged out of human habitats and a marvel for humans who cultivate such ecosystems. Enjoy!

@isacassle6563 11 ай бұрын

Yes on bird feeders 101!!

@jujubecarver3435 Жыл бұрын

Yes, would love to see a birdhouse video. Thanks!

@cynthiabowen7092 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the useful information on hummingbirds! I love them too, the touch my soul. Yes please, do a bird feeder 101.

@niecek.6473 3 ай бұрын

I have been very successful feeding Hummingbirds, living in Southern California makes it easier because it usually doesn’t get too cold, plus flowers bloom all year. I use cane sugar from Mexico, it is a golden color when mixed with boiling water. I have three feeders hanging in a small lime tree outside my window. Plus a few under our awning. At dinner time, and only in this tree, I get so many Hummers that there are no places left to feed, they crowd & share 😍 They go through sugar so fast that I need the large feeders. I bought brushes from Amazon to clean them, I clean mine when empty. They are a joy to watch and I spend around $8-16 a month in cane sugar, usually a 6 or 8lb bags. I noticed I get a ton of bees & Orioles that feed as well and just recently bought a few bee & ant deterrent feeders, or the moats you can buy separately and attach above the feeder. Also, praying mantis can kill a hummingbird🥲 so if you see them in your yard, I gently grab them and put them in another area so they’re not near my hummingbird feeder‘s.❤ Thank you for your lovely video❤

@DebMetcalf 3 ай бұрын

Very Informative. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge. Well thought out.

@melbobmacias Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all of your advice!

@artgustina4152 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for all the info Kristina!

@roberts.1400 Жыл бұрын

Very nice and informative video ... I have a regular crew of hummers that drop by often and I agree they'll brighten up anyone's day myself included. One thing I did learn from your video is that I need to clean them more often. Usually I'd wait till either they looked a bit cloudy or run low before I give them a good scrubbing... Also, this year seems to be a bonus year as there's more Oriole activity at my hummingbird feeders than in past years.

@susiethompson5123 10 ай бұрын

So much helpful information!!

@picklepirate Ай бұрын

I’m on this video specifically for the cleaning safety and food recommendations, thank you!

@bhalbert3661 9 сағат бұрын

Wonderful video,, all birds make me so happy. Btw: you are a beautiful young lady.

@debraroy1720 9 күн бұрын

Great informative show. Thanks,💖💃🏼

@CanadianPermacultureLegacy 3 жыл бұрын

I definitely enjoyed this one and would love to watch a bird feeder video. I went out and cleaned my hummindbird feeder right after watching it (well, it's soaking right now). Definitely something I can get better at, so thanks for that. Great video, tons of good information in there. I like how you name them. I have a little white one with a red neck and his name is Fred. He actually stopped drinking from the hummingbird feeder and now drinks from the waterfall in the pond. I've been trying to catch him on video all year so far but no luck.

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it! I bet you get so many in your garden. I have no idea if my named ones are the same ones each time, but I still like personifying them a bit just for fun. Omg you have a waterfall for them! I was thinking about how to best provide water for my birds and that has to be the ultimate in hummer luxury.

@isabellaowen4146 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video even though I live in London 🤣 it still helps me because I want to be an ornithologist when I get a job. I have had a huge love and passion for birds since a young age so I want to specialise in them. Thanks for the video :)

@likeargamanflaming940 Жыл бұрын

I love hummingbirds! They love to feed from thr aloe, when it produces its asparaguscaea atem with flowers. The honeysuckle is good too.

@HidingSeaFoam 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information!

@arnoldcampo7218 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the great advice

@reginatudabielba1294 3 жыл бұрын

since starting new flowers and edible plants on my small yard i've seen them a lot more near my house. been thinking a lot about putting out things for make everything more cozy for them! great video and thank you specially for addressing the ethical side of this!! would love to hear about your other bird feeders and on what to feed them!

@JoseJoaquinSanchez-catalyst Ай бұрын

One thing to take into consideration if using plastic feeders; the sun breaks down the plastic and you'll further be feeding hummingbirds microplastics.

@supanpreetsinghvirk2605 3 жыл бұрын

NICE To see you again Miss with awesome topic❤️🙏🤲

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

More to come!

@supanpreetsinghvirk2605 3 жыл бұрын

@@kristina_lynn I am Seeking ❤️👍🙏

@jonathonalsop2120 10 ай бұрын

Great overview. If you have sapsuckers on your trees it's a good sign, as the holes they drill for sap are used by hummingbirds when they arrive in the early spring.

@ngaimingyee2970 11 ай бұрын

Thank you for a useful video. What ratio of vinegar to water should I use to wash my glass feeder and parts?

@rowens_el_terricola 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful information, I love this channel

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@user-jp2bt1bg5s Ай бұрын

Thanks for the video n tips I will clean my feeder each time

@raj4558 2 жыл бұрын

Great unique 👍👍

@gdtruckern7632 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. I just got one and I'm excited to use it. BTW you are very pretty 😊

@CarlaRodriquez-hd8wp Ай бұрын

Loved this. Learned another about hummingbirds to get started. Would also like to know about bird feeders

@sarasa00 Жыл бұрын

Great info!!! THANKS!!! =)

@gillianrose_ 3 жыл бұрын

This was really helpful!! I’ve always wanted to try to put a humming bird feeder out and see if there’s any in my area. I’d really be interested in your regular bird feeder video!

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@DeborahWentzell Ай бұрын

Birds feeder video wood be helpful. Hummingbird video was excellent

@debrachase3131 Жыл бұрын

Ace Hardware sells sets of 3 bottle brushes that will reach down into that glass feeder. They have natural bristles on the sides with a soft sort of "mop" at the tip.

@opianne 2 жыл бұрын

I get hummingbirds on my 7th floor balcony!

@Javaman92 Жыл бұрын

This video was well done. You covered all the important things. Thank you. I bought one of those cheap Dollar Store feeders that I am now realizing that I probably won't be able to clean as well as I need to. I brew beer, I wonder if the StarSan that I use to make sure everything is sterile would be okay for hummingbirds? I know it's okay to leave some of it in beer bottles and kegs. Hmmm. Anyway, because of this video I will put EXTRA care into cleaning things. For you and our little friends. ;-)

@fistpittingnork Жыл бұрын

What about putting them up in the sun vs shade? My flower gardens are on the south side of my house in zone 7A, so they receive full sun. My gardens in the backyard are in full shade, where blooming plants are limited in variety. I would prefer to put feeders up near my flowers but summers can consistently hang in the upper 90s-lower 100s Fahrenheit. I don't mind frequent cleaning, but the nectar will bake in the sun all day and be really warm. Would this deter them or is this a non-issue?

@reimonchannel6722 10 ай бұрын

❤ love hummers

3 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Bye from Italy :)

@sandradavis847 4 ай бұрын

Thank you

@beverleymeyer7899 Жыл бұрын

bird feeder 101...yes please

@lagaexplore 3 жыл бұрын

Nice

@jamesm.3338 6 ай бұрын

You did a good job on this. Thanks for emphasizing "cleaning the feeder is a MUST!" and also that people should NOT purchase the premixed hummingbird food in the stores. That stuff is crap and usually contains the red dye which is harmful to the birds.

@Threedog1963 10 ай бұрын

Our patio's air temp is in the upper 90's to lower 100's during September hummingbird migration. So, I change the nectar out every other day with fresh nectar at the 4:1 ratio. Like you mentioned, the flying saucer shaped one is a breeze to clean, and if nectar is swapped every other day, a good scrubbing is not needed since mold and such hasn't had a chance to take hold. Just a quick rinse and wipe, and refill. Seems to me, if you're going to go through the trouble of making the nectar and the expense of putting one out, why not take care of it?

@craigburnett6099 Жыл бұрын

We live about 30 miles south of Dallas. We have good amount of trees. We plant the flowers. For some reason we don’t attract hummingbirds. Maybe once a day or so. My in laws use same set up and they are constant. I watched video. We have many families of other beautiful birds (though fewer last 2 years).

@tinawindham6958 2 ай бұрын

I bought two feeders that are solid red, put in 4:1 sugar water and hung them close to my window. I had one almost fly in my door a few weeks ago which prompted me to get busy. I have so many flowers they can enjoy,2.

@erikm8372 11 ай бұрын

If you want to please pollinators, in particular hummers, plant French lavender _Lavandula dentata_ or firecracker fern _Russelia equisetiformis_ !! They also love jasmines (Trachylospermum), passion vines (Passiflora), honeysuckles, mandeville vines, cardinal vines, milkweeds (preferably local, native & seed-grown!), scented pelargoniums (‘geraniums’), such as ‘Nutmeg’ cultivar, Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria), plumerias even!

@paulchevako 4 ай бұрын

Lovely video. Thank you. I plan to put out hummingbird feeders. I am also looking at little wooden hummingbird houses. Do you recommend them? And if so, where should I locate the houses in relation to the feeders?

@shelleyjoy6927 11 ай бұрын

birdfeeders 101...IM INTERESTED.

@tamalito713 10 күн бұрын

Very nice video well explained every thing still hav a question the water should be boiled. Thank you from ridgefield new jersey I have them every summer since the last 16 year .thin 2024 we have 2 male 1 female this is A+ hav a great summer

@alanmorrow7354 Жыл бұрын

@elcues 16 күн бұрын

Is there a link you could provide where you got the saucer type feeder in this clip ? Or do you know the brand. I like the style and contrast of this one. I looked up Perky Pet and did not see it. Really nice vid .Thank You for your time.

@smilinacha Жыл бұрын

Ok, no more Dawn soap when I clean my feeder that totally makes sense🤔.

@belindapearson9183 10 ай бұрын

Also I do use the perky pet store bought hummingbird nectar. Havent had any issues with it.

@karencrecco2922 Жыл бұрын

I have my setup in a Glen surrounded by trees and petunias and Mandevillas on an arch. I used to get so many here in central Va., but I’m not sure they like being out in direct sun. What do you think?

@odimarbatista3976 Жыл бұрын

Did I hear you say you have hummingbirds in winter in Vancouver?? WOW!!

@susandonaldson7701 2 ай бұрын

It's not that cold in Vancouver in the winter

@onebrightflash 3 ай бұрын

I like the large 2 piece humming bird feeder with the built in ant moat. Where can we buy it?

@donaldpedigo296 Жыл бұрын

.. I'm in Central-Texas .. Should I hang the Feeder in the Shade or in Direct Sunlight ..?? .. I am guessing in the Shade is better, thinking that the Direct Sunlight will "cook" the Sugar-Water and promote rapid Fungus & Bacteria growth .. Your presentation in this video is Excellent .. Much Thanks ..👍

@jimkingsland1645 15 күн бұрын

I have the same question., Did you get an answer? I think I’m going to move it to the shade just as a precaution.

@Doktracy 11 ай бұрын

They love flowering alliums like elephant garlic and onion flowers,too.

@carenallen5841 3 күн бұрын

I live in lower Michigan close to ohio..I have 4 hummingbird feeders hanging in my flower garden..in 2 years..I have just seen 1 bird..every now and then..I have the correct sugar to water mixture..but not drawing them in my yard....help

@user-ol6ro9js4p Жыл бұрын

How do i keep the liquid in my hummingbird feeder mine is running straight through

@masterworksfine 2 ай бұрын

Question: You are on Vancouver Island...I grew up there and was too busy to pay attention to hummingbirds. I live in Los Angeles and of course our weather conditions are pretty mild. Do you find there are times of the year when your hummingbirds migrate south? I find that during the different seasons, the birds look different...size and color of necks vary. Possibly the hummingbirds that visit my feeders are from up north? There is usually one month when they disappear altogether. Even here in warm Southern California.

@garyl4598 2 ай бұрын

I was working on the 16th floor of a office building in Portland OR and during lunch we saw hummingbirds flying around the building

@kimthecatlady 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, love the info in this video, I was just wondering if you could answer a career question. I am currently a disabled student going to the University of Arizona online biology program. How could someone disabled like me, without a vehicle, land a job being a wildlife biologist? I am not physically disabled (for the most part) I can volunteer and hopefully intern somewhere just, what are the odds I can land a job once I graduate? Thank you for all that you do, love all of your videos.

@crystalo3550 9 ай бұрын

A little rice and soapy water give it a shake and it will be cleaner than using a rag or sponge unless u can find a baby bottle brush with long handle but rice works wonderful its how baby bottles were cleaned back when they first were made but shake it really good it will get in every crack n crevice

@kevinmurdoch4184 Ай бұрын

Wow ur Gorgeous!

@maridiaz1776 6 ай бұрын

I have hummingbirds and squirrels. Will the feeder attract more squirrel? Sorry for asking, city girl moved to countryside.

@maryannwarner4253 2 ай бұрын

I had a feeder like your plastic one and it kept falling apart. Not clipped together very well.

@debrabennett7773 Ай бұрын

Is it okay to hang my hum bird feeder on the same tree as a bird feeder?

@lightandcolour 5 ай бұрын

Check the hummingbird mask feeder that you use on your face and allows you to see the birds feeding in front of you.

@johnnybriggs2090 Жыл бұрын

Hello I’m Johnny in ct newington how do I get hummingbirds to show up please help if you will thank you Johnny.

@TheJaniceJoy 4 ай бұрын

I take my hummingbird feeder down once my hummer plants are blooming. I withdraw it gradually…every other day it’s up for a week or two until flowers are abundant. I hope this isn’t harmful in any way.

@social3ngin33rin 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, lots of great information ^_^ I have to make sure everything is out of cat reach lol, cats are such insanely predatory animals

@kristina_lynn 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah you have to be so careful with them! They’re sneaky

@social3ngin33rin 3 жыл бұрын

I think of them as god(s) little assassin. They're the #1 killer of birds in the USA, by many magnitudes!!!

@GoodThingsEtc 2 ай бұрын

so, im guessing you cook the rice and does it matter which one? Also what about feeding them corn, flax or cia seeds? how do you serve the rice /other nutrients which they need.

@SmashPhysical 2 жыл бұрын

How do you clean the little plastic flowers? Those always seem to get black mold on them that is difficult to get off because of the shapes in the flower designs.

@kristina_lynn 2 жыл бұрын

I scrub it with a thick dish brush that seems to work well so far