You can easily make your own feeder to attract the tiny birds.
One of the most loved sights in gardens and parks throughout the state is catching a glimpse of some hummingbirds. Mid-April is considered the start of the hummingbird season in Colorado, and they're expected to hang around until late September or early October.
There are a few different species of the tiny birds that make their way into the state, with the most common being the Broad-Tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), according to Bird Feeder Hub. The male broad-tailed hummingbird is quite colorful with a rose-red throat and green feathers on their backs, while the females are smaller, pale, and less vibrant with white-tipped tail feathers.
Hummingbirds sustain themselves almost completely on sweet nectar and smaller bugs, like gnats. As many green-thumbed folks around the state are planting gardens and sprucing up the backyard, it's the perfect time to set up a hummingbird feeder. Not only are they simple to make, but they can also be constructed from some simple household items.
DIY Hummingbird Feeders:
Bottle Feeder
You can make your feeder vessel from a number of items: a glass soda or wine bottle, a 2-liter bottle, and a plastic food container with a snapping lid. You will need the lid or cork to the bottle.
- First, cut a small hole in the top of the bottle lid, right in the center.
- Then, cut another the size of the bottle opening into the plastic food container.
- Next, cut smaller holes—one in each corner of the plastic food container lid.
- Put the bottle through the hole in the container lid, then screw the bottle cap on and attach the container to its lid.
- Use wire, or tie string, twine, or rope to the bottle, then fill and hang in a tree.
Coffee Container
- Cut holes in the sides of the coffee container, near the top, to run a string through.
- Cut two larger openings near the bottom to allow the hummingbirds access the nectar.
- Then, hang from a tree and add nectar. Follow the same procedure for the cup.
Nectar
- Sugar water should be one-part white cane sugar to four parts water.
- There is no need for red food coloring. It has no proven advantage and may be harmful to the birds.
- Simply boil the water, dissolve the sugar into it, then let it cool and pour into your feeder.
- Remember to maintain, wash, and replace nectar every few days.
It's recommended that you place the feeders in noticeable areas so that the hummingbirds will see it and have easy access. An area with shade is best.
Hummingbirds can bring a sense of wonder into your yard and are mesmerizing to look at, bringing a bit of light and hope into our lives right now. Have you made your own hummingbird feeder? Share with us your best designs, and any bird-watching or photo-taking advice you have in the comments.