My Favorite Hummingbird Feeder and DIY Nectar Recipe

One of my favorite spots in our farmhouse is the living room, with its big corner windows, in the summer. I can either put up a Hummingbird feeder or grab hanging plants that Hummingbirds love. Sitting and watching them come with their buzzing wings is fascinating. I’m not sure why I’ve fallen in love with these birds so much, but they have my heart.

When Should You Put Out Hummingbird Feeders?

Timing is super important! You might miss the hummingbirds altogether if you put out your feeders too late in the season. They’re always on the move because many kinds migrate in spring and fall.

What’s the Best Time?

Here’s when to hang your feeders based on where you live:

• Southern States (like Texas and Florida): Late February to early March.
• Midwest & Northern States (like Illinois, New York): Late April to May.
• Western States (like California and Oregon): March to early April.

I learned this the hard way one year ago. I waited until July (oops!), and only a few birds visited before flying off. I will ensure my feeders are ready in May, which will make a huge difference!

Tip: Remember to hang your feeders about two weeks before you think the hummingbirds will arrive. Hummingbirds can show up earlier than expected!

Types of Hummingbirds You Might See

Did you know there are over 300 types of hummingbirds in the world? Here are a few common ones you might spot in the U.S.:

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird (eastern U.S.): Famous for their bright red throats and speedy wings.
• Anna’s Hummingbird (western U.S.): These guys often stick around year-round and sparkle with green feathers!
• Rufous Hummingbird (across the west and central U.S.): Small, feisty, and orange as a sunset.

I remember the first time I spotted a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in my garden. I literally gasped out loud. They move so fast that it feels like magic! A handy field guide or chart can help you recognize who’s visiting.

The Best Feeders for Hummingbirds

Not all feeders are the same! Some make it easier for the birds to eat (and for you to clean). Here’s what to look for:

• Easy to clean: You need to scrub them often, so don’t pick anything with tons of tiny parts.
• Bright red: Hummingbirds love red! You don’t need fancy designs or food coloring; the color will do the job.
• Ant moats: These keep pests like ants away from the nectar.

You can check out my videos with this feeder on my Frugal Farm Girl TikTok and Savings with Tasia TikTok page.

My Picks:

Glass feeders last long and look nice, but plastic ones are cheaper and lightweight. A feeder with multiple feeding ports is great if you expect a bird “traffic jam”!

I grabbed my most recent one here in the TikTok shop. Similar ones are also available on Amazon.

Bonus Tip: Hang your feeder near flowers or a sunny window so you can enjoy the show. It’s like having a hummingbird channel in real life!

DIY Hummingbird Feeders

Want to make your own feeder? It’s easier than you think and a great craft to do with kids or friends. Here’s the one I use all the time:

Mason Jar Feeder

What You’ll Need:

• A Mason jar with a lid
• A hummingbird feeder base (you can buy this at garden centers)
• Wire for hanging
• A drill

Steps:

1. Take the lid and drill a small hole in it.
2. Attach the feeder base to the lid securely.
3. Fill the jar with sugar water (recipe below) and tighten the lid.
4. Wrap some wire around the jar neck to create a hanger.
5. Hang it up and watch the birds arrive!

When I made my first mason jar feeder, I used a too big hole, and the nectar leaked everywhere. Learn from my mistake and test the lid first!

Where to Hang Your Feeders

Even the coolest feeder won’t help if you hang it in the wrong spot. Here’s where your hummingbirds will be happiest:

• Out of direct sunlight: Nectar spoils faster in the hot sun, so pick a shady area.
• Near flowers: They love flowers, so placing a feeder nearby makes it extra inviting.

I use a shepherd’s hook for my feeders. It keeps them secure and lets me move them if hummingbirds prefer a different yard corner.

Taking Care of Your Feeders

Want to keep your hummingbirds healthy? Clean feeders are a must! Dirty ones can grow mold and bacteria that harm the birds.

Nectar Recipe

• Mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
• Skip the red dye! The feeder’s color is enough to attract them.
• I use 1/4 cup sugar and one cup of water.

Combine and let it come to a boil. Keep stirring it, but it doesn’t have to be constantly. Once it reaches a boil, I turn the burner off. Let it cool for a few hours. You don’t want to put hot liquid into your feeder.

Ours doesn’t take long to heat up because we have a gas stove, so I can usually make this in about five minutes. The cooling process is the longest part.

Cleaning Tips

• In cool weather, use warm water to scrub feeders every 3–5 days.
• If it’s hot, clean them every 1–2 days.
• Avoid soap residue, which can hurt the birds.

Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Feeders are great, but flowers can add even more nectar (plus, they make your yard look amazing). Try planting these bird-approved blooms:

• Trumpet Vine & Honeysuckle: Big on nectar and easy for hummingbirds to reach.
• Bee Balm & Salvia: Bright colors and lots of food!
• Foxglove & Columbine: Perfect for their long, tubular blooms.

Plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year to keep hummingbirds around longer. Check your local gardening center to find plants that grow well in your area.

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds

These birds aren’t just beautiful—they’re also super cool! Did you know:

• Their wings beat 80 times per second. That’s per second!
• They weigh less than a nickel.
• They migrate hundreds of miles, sometimes flying straight across the Gulf of Mexico without stopping!

The idea of such tiny birds flying so far blows my mind whenever I think about it.

Bring the Magic of Hummingbirds to Your Yard

Hummingbirds make your backyard feel alive. Hang a feeder, plant their favorite flowers, or try a DIY project to welcome them.

I can’t wait for you to sit back and enjoy the Hummingbirds in your home this year.

Don’t forget to follow me on TikTok, too!