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

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: [e-mail]
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?

[@kristina_lynn]

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

[@isabellaowen4146]

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

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

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]

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

[@kristina_lynn]

Lol I have no idea what you guys are talking about so I think it might be outdated slang?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]

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]

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.

[@orbsphere-]

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.

[@pilgrim985]

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]

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

[@billseto7920]

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.

[@squadiodatamj5998]

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).

[@BrittanyS143]

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!

[@stevenkolden]

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

[@picklepirate]

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

[@RavenSpirit917]

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

[@tiffineyjenkins4681]

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]

A picnic table for squirrels?!?

[@cindye7281]

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

[@BoO034]

Keep educating everyone Kristina! Love your videos😁

[@kristina_lynn]

Thank you!

[@lindapedersen-hylka7170]

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

[@DeborahWentzell]

Birds feeder video wood be helpful. Hummingbird video was excellent

[@shawndayvis6169]

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

[@user-mh9dw4em6x]

Bird feeder 101 sounds good!

[@isacassle6563]

Yes on bird feeders 101!!

[@cactusdot]

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

[@kristina_lynn]

testing a few tips and learning in the meantime :)

[@CarlaRodriquez-hd8wp]

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

[@user-jp2bt1bg5s]

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

[@geoffserata8437]

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....

[@eleanorwittering3126]

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!

[@likeargamanflaming940]

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

[@opianne]

I get hummingbirds on my 7th floor balcony!

[@donaldpedigo296]

.. 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 ..👍

[@tinawindham6958]

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.

[@melbobmacias]

Thank you for all of your advice!

[@susiethompson5123]

So much helpful information!!

[@jonathonalsop2120]

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]

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

[@HidingSeaFoam]

Thank you for the information!

[@niecek.6473]

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❤

[@arnoldcampo7218]

Thank you for the great advice

[@artgustina4152]

Thank you so much for all the info Kristina!

[@Javaman92]

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. ;-)

[@CanadianPermacultureLegacy]

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]

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.

[@willied1942]

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

[@gdtruckern7632]

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

[@JoseJoaquinSanchez-catalyst]

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

[@jujubecarver3435]

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

[@jerrymccutcheon1680]

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

[@raj4558]

Great unique 👍👍

[@debrachase3131]

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.

[@DebMetcalf]

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

[@azuldragonfly]

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

[@isabellaowen4146]

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 :)

[@sarasa00]

Great info!!! THANKS!!! =)

[@Rowens_el_terricola]

Very useful information, I love this channel

[@kristina_lynn]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@fistpittingnork]

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?

[@thearoff1560]

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

[@cynthiabowen7092]

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.

[@frederickfaubus242]

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

[@Threedog1963]

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?

[@supanpreetsinghvirk2605]

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

[@kristina_lynn]

More to come!

[@supanpreetsinghvirk2605]

@@kristina_lynn I am Seeking ❤️👍🙏

[@reginatudabielba1294]

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!

[@lagaexplore]

Nice

Nice video, Bye from Italy :)

[@roberts.1400]

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.

[@jamesm.3338]

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.

[@sandradavis847]

Thank you

[@gillianrose_]

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]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beverleymeyer7899]

bird feeder 101...yes please

[@reimonchannel6722]

❤ love hummers

[@alanmorrow7354]

Ty

[@garyl4598]

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

[@erikm8372]

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!

[@craigburnett6099]

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).

[@shelleyjoy6927]

birdfeeders 101...IM INTERESTED.

[@paulchevako]

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?

[@karencrecco2922]

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?

[@smilinacha]

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

[@belindapearson9183]

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

[@masterworksfine]

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.

[@odimarbatista3976]

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

[@susandonaldson7701]

It's not that cold in Vancouver in the winter

[@crystalo3550]

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

[@onebrightflash]

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

[@belindapearson9183]

As for as cleaning the hummingbird feeder with a small mouth, you can use a bottle cleaner.....it has a long handle also it has those bristles that form to any opening to clean it because it gives....I use this all the time eating my glass feeders.....also mine has a little wider mouth than the one you are showing. Hope this helps.

[@kimthecatlady]

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.

[@GoodThingsEtc]

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.

[@shanetanner1122]

You are gorgeous!

[@Doktracy]

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

[@lightandcolour]

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

[@reimonchannel6722]

❤❤

[@SmashPhysical]

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]

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

[@user-ol6ro9js4p]

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

[@maridiaz1776]

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

[@eliharper6616]

Good shit

[@social3ngin33rin]

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]

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

[@social3ngin33rin]

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

[@debrabennett7773]

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

[@johnnybriggs2090]

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

[@Dragone38CM]

Hey Kristina, so I have no issues whatever so ever with hummingbird feeders however people do get busy in their lives and it may get put on the back burner(what I’m personally worried about). What’s some good plants I can plant in my backyard that hummingbirds and or bees love as they could help pollinate my pepper plants as well. Thanks! -Jarrod

[@kristina_lynn]

Good to recognize that! what region do you live in? Best resource would be your local nursery who can recommend some preferably native plants - which are often lower maintenance as well for busy folks :)

[@Dragone38CM]

@@kristina_lynn I’m in Kansas, unfortunately the nurseries around here don’t seem too knowledgeable about proper care even for plants or specific nutrients. They just promote what they sell without specifics which is frustrating. It’s usually a statement like “well we sell this.” So I wouldn’t trust their word. If I can plant something that attracts bees humming birds etc. it’s a win for the environment and for me because I harvest some nice Cayenne pepper and I’m experimenting with a single red ghost pepper plant as well.

[@kristina_lynn]

I did some quick searching and I found this awesome land managers guide towards hummingbird habitat in Kansas: www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/HummingbirdBrochures/HummingbirdGuideKS-NE.pdf Check out the end and it has a list of native plants that hummingbirds love! It even has businesses where you can buy the plants and seeds at the end.

[@Dragone38CM]

@@kristina_lynn That’s awesome I appreciate it sweetheart. 😀

[@maryannwarner4253]

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

[@TheJaniceJoy]

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.

[@rjh6380]

What is your opinion on using micronutrient copper sulfate to extend the freshness of sugar water or nectar??

[@gailwilliams5278]

Why use preservatives/additives when you can just wash/refill?

[@susandonaldson7701]

I used it once and the birds didn't drink it

[@mbach1187]

Link for that feeder?

[@barblane4020]

Have you tried the HUMM BUG Hummingbird feeder? You put pieces of Bananas in. That attracts fruit flies the the birds love. Good protein.

[@edchoi2428]

Can you put vitamin c in the syrup or what is best for their health. In Boston University I took an ornithology course and was told hummingbirds in the us usually go migrate to South America so that would mean you would change their migration and they would stay put if nesting at your home hm.

[@kristina_lynn]

I would just leave it to sugar and water! They can get their micronutrients from more natural sources like insects and flower nectar, so the nectar you can give in a feeder is just an extra boost. Overwintering hummingbirds depends on where you live. Where I live, hummingbirds began overwintering in the late 20th century and its suspected that it's due to feeders. So it's not just my feeder they made decisions on, but just the presence of feeders in general. Non-native winter blooming flowers in the mild climate where I live also probably played into it a bit!

[@eloisasalinas6596]

if the hummingbirds are heavy feeders and you have to go on vacation, any helpful tips?

[@susandonaldson7701]

1.Take your feeders down unless you have someone to clean and put fresh nectar in the feeder 2. Hopefully you have flowers growing in your yard. The birds will drink from the flower's The hummingbirds will come back when you return. We've been gone for weeks and they return!

[@reimonchannel6722]

😀