When locating a feeder, think about key hazards for the birds - collision, predation and fouling.
Collision with glass is a major killer of hummingbirds visiting our feeders. We recommend placing your feeder close (within 20 cm) or far away (over 5m) from glass (window or balcony). When the feeder is close to a window, the bird will slow down and so collisions are at low velocity. You can also make your glass more visible to birds using UV reflective stickers and shading (drawing blinds etc).
Cats are the most common predator of hummingbirds here. Make sure your feeder is not in a location that they can access. Wasps are another frequent feeder pest. They will dominate a feeder and deter hummingbirds. Bee baskets can sometimes be fitted on upright feeder ports. If you have a dish feeder, try keeping the nectar level well below the ports. The hummingbird’s tongue is long enough to reach the fluid, but it is much harder for wasps to access for nectar. Provide bear-safe feeding areas. Don’t leave accessible food waste or bird seed out unsecured. Clean up any nectar that spills and rinse the area. Unless bears already know what a feeder is, they won’t be attracted to them. If a bear learns about hummingbird feeders, it can become a nuisance.
In summer, feeders can foul quickly in the sun. Bacteria will convert the sugar to acids and alcohol and if hummingbirds are desperate for nectar, they can actually get drunk. This will not happen as quickly if you keep the feeder shaded. In winter, feeding ports can get clogged with snow in unprotected feeders. Hanging the feeder in a protected location, like under eaves, will reduce the chance of snow buildup.
