Unveiling the Best Hummingbird Feeder Options

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  • Опубліковано 2 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 72

  • @heatherpresley9437
    @heatherpresley9437 2 місяці тому +1

    I just added a 16 oz Zamelane (bottle type) hummingbird feeder with ant moat to my front yard, and within hours had dozens of little birds visiting. They love the perch and the ports (there are 6). I guess I have the perfect spot, mostly in the shade, and by a sheltered window for us to enjoy, all day long! So many different subspecies I never knew of--- Seems like I live in a hummingbird paradise.

  • @yayciencia
    @yayciencia 8 місяців тому +7

    If you live in a windy area, get a glass bottle feeder because it's heavier and will stay still better than saucer feeders. Also in my experience, hummingbirds absolutely do prefer feeders with perches. The dominant bully hummingbird doesn't stay sitting at the feeder itself to guard it, either, but instead finds a perch a few feet away.

  • @schoolForAnts
    @schoolForAnts Рік тому +4

    Hi, I am a novice glassblower and wanting to make some humming bird feeders and I found this information extremely valuable. I *think* I can use this great info to make something that is both beautiful AND optimally functional. Thank you for the great video. If I make something worth sharing, I would like to send you one for your honest review and opinions.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for reaching out and the kind words. If you want to send one to the store address in the comments, I will give it a look. Unfortunately, the hummers want be back till April in our area for their “opinion “.

  • @brycestrong8195
    @brycestrong8195 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you Mark. Short, sweet, informative video.

  • @VidarrKerr
    @VidarrKerr 3 роки тому +5

    Good info thank you! I am in Brazil, during the day, the hummingbirds are coming inside my house looking for food. At night, the bats come in and eat the bananas, especially when ripe. I need a bat house and a hummingbird feeder.

  • @lisacain9519
    @lisacain9519 3 роки тому +8

    Hi! I'm in San Diego County and have many hummingbirds all year long, but more come to my feeder in the late fall and winter. How many feeders would be the right amount? I also have a hummingbird male who guards my single feeder. Any advice is appreciated! I'm so glad I found your channel!

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +6

      The key to a dominate male or female is sightlines. If you can separate feeders with a good strong divider, like front yard/back yard, it can cut way down on the domination by one bird. Having lots of flowers available in addition to your feeders is also a great way to provide food for them. Welcome to the channel.

  • @SomeoneCommenting
    @SomeoneCommenting 8 днів тому +1

    Those *saucer types **2:33** ARE THE BEST* by far. Being completely easy to clean must be the #1 thing to look in ANY feeder. All those other tubular ones are not good for many reasons. First, they have to be filled upside down and flipped when positioned. The sudden rush of the water to the base usually makes a mess, sometimes dripping in the sealing border and bringing unwanted wasps and hornets to lick looking for the drops. The second things that I really dislike about them is that the tall cylindrical shape is an absolute waste. Many of these feeders are unfortunately designed to visually please the human, and they are even ridiculously expensive with an actual awful practical use for the birds themselves. Sometimes the simplest cheapest feeder works the best. Unless you have a hundred hummers that can drink all that tall nectar volume in two days, if you fill it too high most of the nectar will spoil quickly before it's ever drunk. Also, the higher the water level, the more pressure it makes down, overrunning the siphon effect that the base has to prevent overflow when you flip it upside down. That will make the nectar go all the way to the rim of the drinking holes, again bringing a lot of unwanted ants and insects. In the saucer type the nectar is *down* which prevents it from ever dripping or oozing out in any way. The hummers will be the only ones able to ever reach it with their long beaks and tongues, and they can be filled just with the necessary amount. I wish that I was in the border states where you get lots of migrating hummers and they join to share the feeder. Buy here in the east coast we only get the visiting ruby-throated hummingbird, and once it comes, he becomes completely territorial and will fight any other bird attempting to feed. Therefore, I can only have small feeders because only the resident couple and their babies will be the main users. I have to put many around the perimeter of the house so that other birds can have a chance. Once they get established and are nesting I see them fighting all the time, chasing each other even when a bird is just flying around passing by. They really attack whoever tries to get to "their" feeder. The guardian will perch on the closest point to lookout and protect it. It's nice because you see the hummer coming and going constantly during the whole day to refuel for the fights. I also have to put them high enough because at night deer come and if they can reach one they tip it and start to drink the whole nectar. I find them empty in the morning with the deer hoof marks deep in the soil below the feeder. The last good part about the saucer feeder is that a _well designed_ one will not need the moat because the ants should not be able to reach the nectar if it is so far from the drinking orifices. There are some feeders that have a nice rubber inset that collapses on itself sealing the hole, but when the bird sinks the beak in, it can push the rubber to the sides and easily drink. It acts the same way that the rubber nipple of a baby milk bottle does.

  • @dianeparker9344
    @dianeparker9344 3 місяці тому +1

    I have issues with the saucer. When carrying them to the hook they leak. I have 23 feeders out everyday. It's a full time job . Thank you for sharing. Room for thought

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 місяці тому

      @@dianeparker9344 I only fill mine just over half full so don’t have that issue. You obviously have far more hummers than I have ever had. Congratulations

  • @jorpmcv
    @jorpmcv Рік тому +3

    I use a 4 oz. style saucer feeder with only a couple of hummers in my area. I can also lessen it to 2 oz when they are just arriving. You forgot to mention the ant moat that doubles as a water feeder for small birds.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  Рік тому +1

      I don't feel they are deep enough to be very effective as they water evaporates quickly. I still recommend using a full sized ant moat. ua-cam.com/video/y44n5qKoSJM/v-deo.html

  • @JillAyn67
    @JillAyn67 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks very much. I prefer the saucer types vs the bottle too although the hummingbirds don't seem to care. The bottles leaked so I switched to the saucer.

  • @hellokimmy68
    @hellokimmy68 Рік тому +2

    I'm a new subscriber and I've probably binged about 20 of your videos in the past few days! Great content.
    Last summer, I planted Scarlet Emperor runner beans and holy cow, I can't tell you how many hummers I saw on the flowers! I already got two packs of seed for next year so I can have them in the front and back yards. I like to do a combination of sugar water in the feeder, plus pollinator friendly plants. Which do you think has the edge? The flowers since they're out in nature, or the feeders, since it's likely a more concentrated punch? Thanks again - really enjoying your channel a lot from Chapel Hill, NC.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  Рік тому +1

      Hi! Welcome to the channel. As you probably read, I am originally from NC. I am with you a combination is absolutely the best. Diverse nutrition from the plants and insects but the sugar content at a feeder really helps them put on weight when they need it.

  • @georgefitzhugh6455
    @georgefitzhugh6455 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for sharing. Subbed!

  • @wolfherzen5423
    @wolfherzen5423 3 роки тому +1

    Mine is neither. It’s a single flower feeder that holds 1 cup of nectar. So Real Single Flower Hummingbird Feeder - Pink it’s the type I got. I love it.

  • @dianecarlson2918
    @dianecarlson2918 7 місяців тому +1

    I saw my first yesterday.

  • @soteriacharis6338
    @soteriacharis6338 6 місяців тому +2

    You didn't discuss the ant moat!! Very important! What is best in the moat, water or oil??

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  6 місяців тому

      That is a whole video to itself ua-cam.com/video/y44n5qKoSJM/v-deo.html

  • @m.kennedy342
    @m.kennedy342 6 місяців тому +1

    High view 429 or Ultra 367? Both 4 ports. Trying to decide between the two. Does the perch height or angle matter? Which would you personally recommend or have heard most positive feedback on?

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  6 місяців тому

      I know the owner of Aspects® swears by the High Perch design. I've never seen a difference. To me, their appeal is the angle feeding and their anti-bee design. My favorite of their line is the Little Fancy.

  • @wandawilliams2397
    @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому +2

    My main lady that has been coming for 4 years and she will perch on a specific feeder and guard it jealously. It’s really fun, in a violent kinda way. I have many many hummingbirds the sapsuckers bring them earlier to my yard and then 3 gardens around the parameter of my house are planted just for pollinators. Feeders are on my front porch. Perhaps that why I end up involved in the squabbling🤷‍♀️

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +1

      They definitely need a variety of flowers as well as your feeders. It sounds like you are providing a buffet line.

    • @wandawilliams2397
      @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому

      @@MarksBackyardBirds I do. And it grows every year. Just having enough blooms open at all times during their visit(some are year round here but after the babies grow up, the buffet closes. Instantly

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +1

      @@wandawilliams2397 Late August/early September is peak time for hummers and it can be quite an impressive show.

    • @wandawilliams2397
      @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому +1

      @@MarksBackyardBirds true story. I love that all squabbles dissolve and they will eat together. I have a tube with 40 ports on it. Closest to their favorite nesting tree( and my eves). It is time to change out my feeders. Speaking of. Georgia weather it will become hooch given too much time the single system is harder to
      Do but spreads the fights enough that no gangs happen. I learned better from my main lady.

    • @wandawilliams2397
      @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому +1

      @@MarksBackyardBirds honey down south they don’t sprinkle in. A few follow the sapsuckers. I still amazed thepecan tree still gives nuts. But I digress. Once the hummingbirds mint in s in flower it in like donkey Kong it builds from 6-10 initial birds a full 2 weeks before any of my friends have a visit. There are 60 acres of blackberries and wild rose my nectar is just a supplement for breeding season. I have a mimosa tree that is high real estate. It happens that it is in full view of my kitchen window Nd he front porch. Thee are brave ones that feed from a “nectar ring “ on my hand.

  • @reddor5532
    @reddor5532 2 роки тому +2

    Hi, I bought a couple of saucer feeders, the Little Fancy version. Both of them lean because the stem doesn't extend straight up, it is at an angle. Do you have any suggestions (other than to bend the rod) to get them to hang straight? This is very annoying so any help you can provide would be appreciated.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому

      I have had to bend a rod before but Aspects has a lifetime warranty so we can get you a new rod.

    • @reddor5532
      @reddor5532 2 роки тому +1

      @@MarksBackyardBirds Thank you, this is very helpful. I will give it a try after I figure out which way to bend the rod to get it balanced. Do I bend the top towards the deep end of the liquid or away....TBD

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому +1

      @@reddor5532 Trial and error! Wish I could be more helpful.

  • @Aarongarcia-ns8dj
    @Aarongarcia-ns8dj 2 роки тому +1

    Hi, from San Diego California. I have a hummingbird feeder and a small tree near by where they will perch. So they feed and then just rest. I rather see them resting on the tree than the bird feeder

    • @markmckellar8569
      @markmckellar8569 2 роки тому

      They like to have a good view of the feeder so they can chase away others.

  • @CRAIGNV
    @CRAIGNV 3 роки тому +1

    Hi, live in LV. Feeder would be in direct sun, so liquid will get hot, will that stop birds from feeding?

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +1

      I doubt it will keep them from feeding at the feeder but you will need to change the nectar very frequently. Only fill the feeder part way full so you are not wasting too much.

  • @MegInWhispers
    @MegInWhispers 2 роки тому +1

    i feel like some Audobon designed feeders and houses are excellent, and others are a complete miss, for me. the saucer feeder looks great, but their bat houses are lacking (they need to be properly vented + sealed for protection from rain and ventilation). it's hard to judge them sometimes until you try them and realize the drawbacks vs benefits.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому

      Very true. We feel that is how we have narrowed down the products we endorse. My staff and I have tried countless feeders and houses.

  • @geraldgeizer1810
    @geraldgeizer1810 Рік тому

    We have bought 3 bottle feeders, all leaked...glue g7n helped, but , became messy, or sticky where dripped. The saucer type , I noticed didn't drip. But , the pole hook keeps feeder from being level. Seems pole isn't straight...and the feed is off level. I used a tie to position it so birds could drink without stick8ng their bill into ..hmm nothing. More birds seemed to like hiding on the other side of bottle type...and used the perches more. But,the mess on the balcony . Hopefully the saucer type works okay. We have four birds... no bees. 😊

  • @thewey
    @thewey 2 роки тому

    I’m in South Carolina/North Carolina border. I started with a red/orange ballon shaped glass hummingbird feeder and had 8 hummingbirds show up on day 3 within a hour. I’m going to add a saucer feeder and I’m going with a 1 to 4 in one feeder and 1 to 3 in the other. It gets hot (95+) in the summer so I think the 1/4 should do better. Any advice?

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому

      You are going n great hummingbird country there. I Definitely recommend the 1 to 4. I grew up in Robeson County NC near the SC line.

  • @barco581
    @barco581 3 роки тому +1

    Mark, do you think seed and suet eating birds at feeders increase the chance of hummingbirds coming to a nearby nectar feeder, or are hummingbirds just so different it doesn’t matter?

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +3

      I don't think that it really affects them. They are so focused on potential nectar sources. Red and orange color seem to be the major factors. Any flowering plants in the spring help.

  • @cynthiajamison4006
    @cynthiajamison4006 4 місяці тому

    Hello I just bought the Little Fancy hummingbird feeder by Aspects. It has the three feeding ports and the question that I have is that the top doesn't set tight or securely on the bowl... like it doesn't snap down, I can lift the top and it comes off super easy. Is that how it is supposed to be?
    I went ahead and filled it and went to hang it up and any slight tilt, the liquid for the feeder runs out because it doesn't really seal to the bottom reservoir

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  4 місяці тому

      @@cynthiajamison4006 Every fit is a little different. They are not made to snap, just sit. If nectar is coming out, you may be over filling. I never fill mine more than just past half full. A slight tilt makes me think the hanging rod may be bent a little or the thread may be slightly off. Aspects may want to send a replacement.

    • @cynthiajamison4006
      @cynthiajamison4006 4 місяці тому

      @@MarksBackyardBirds Thank you so much for your quick reply! I did empty it last night and then refilled it to only about half to see if that would help, so I'm going to be watching it to see if that will make a difference. I will get back with you and let you know how it's doing! Thank you again for your quick reply.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  4 місяці тому

      @@cynthiajamison4006 absolutely, glad to help

  • @jessican5344
    @jessican5344 3 роки тому

    In the 5 years i've been doing this they've been coming to the bottle type, but suddenly this year in July I had a very serious honey bee problem. Never had a problem with bees before, and out of frustration I switched them over to the aspect high view saucer feeders they were not happy with me at all. All i wanted was for them to be able to eat in peace. but they pretty much refused these feeders.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому

      They are creatures of habit and do not like change. I do think they will adapt over time but it is something that many bird species do. I believe new feeders to trigger a survival instinct that they have to overcome.

    • @VidarrKerr
      @VidarrKerr 3 роки тому

      Anything you can do to help honey bee populations is an absolute must. Without honey bees, we die --along with a whole lot of other flora and fauna.

  • @larrylouthan24
    @larrylouthan24 3 роки тому +2

    I see that you sell the fruit fly Hummingbird feeder, what is your opinion of them?

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +1

      Like most feeders, the Hummbug is a neat concepts and I have a few customers that have had luck with it. Also like other feeders, you need to place it so that raccoons and opossums can't get into it. Hummers need those insects for their young.

  • @pennybenton5607
    @pennybenton5607 2 роки тому

    The disc feeder is difficult to fill without spillage though.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому

      They should be emptied and cleaned each time you need to fill them.

  • @giorgiocisilino4874
    @giorgiocisilino4874 2 роки тому

    why dont manufactures or humzinger design the base like the humzinger base which is more effective for hummingbirds and the gravity feed glass top and prefer glass over plastic.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 роки тому +1

      The Gravity pull of the nectar would negate the benefit of the hummzinger base design.

  • @DarqJestor
    @DarqJestor Рік тому

    My saucer feeder doesn't balance right so all the nectar ends up on one side and spills out when there's a breeze. 😠

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  Рік тому

      Usually that can be corrected by bending the rod slightly. If it is an Aspect’s they will send you a new hanging rod.

    • @DarqJestor
      @DarqJestor Рік тому +1

      @@MarksBackyardBirds Thanks for replying. I had tried that but it made it more wonky. I guess I didn't bend it the right way. I'm going to try adding some weight to one of the perches.

  • @barenekid9695
    @barenekid9695 2 місяці тому

    As below... The glass bottle types are FAR better More Stable, More durable, easier to view content and condition.
    PLUS Easier to attach a Heater pad for Winter conditions Far more difficult with the Saucer types.
    Just bought two more Glass bottle types. Despite them being More $$ than 4 saucers.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  2 місяці тому

      @@barenekid9695 Thanks for sharing. Glad they work for you. I’ve never had to attach a heater pad in our area

  • @dianecarlson2918
    @dianecarlson2918 7 місяців тому +1

    I used the perky pet glassbottle feeders for years. The plastic screw on bottom that has the ports with Redhill type flowers is now JUNK. The piece cracks and then it's trash. They told me they have a 1 tear warranty and parts are not available to purchase. I cannot believe it. I bought 8 of those feeders last year and they are now trash. BEWARE of the Perky Pet feeders

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  7 місяців тому

      I only carry them because some people demand them. They have been around forever but they are cheaply made.

  • @wandawilliams2397
    @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому

    As much as I like the saucer my hummers don’t. They go for the single feeders in my plant baskets.

    • @MarksBackyardBirds
      @MarksBackyardBirds  3 роки тому +1

      Birds are creatures of habit. They like what they like and, in many cases, they will not use a different kind of feeder.

    • @wandawilliams2397
      @wandawilliams2397 3 роки тому +2

      @@MarksBackyardBirds all of the single feeders lessen the fights. Although I do enjoy them, don’t want to damage my girls before the boys arrive and it’s tag team rasslin’

    • @VidarrKerr
      @VidarrKerr 3 роки тому

      @@wandawilliams2397 LOL.

  • @aw1889
    @aw1889 Рік тому

    That's not a 45 degree angle. It's not even close to being a 45. Thats about 15 degrees. It's nearly flat.