Yes, hummingbirds can typically find their feeder if it’s moved, but it might take them some time to adjust to the new location.
Hummingbirds are very territorial. They rely on hummingbird feeders to supplement their diet during the spring and summer months.
In this article, we will guide you on how hummingbird finds feeder after changing the location as well as how and where to set up feeder safely.
Why Hummingbirds Love Feeders
Hummingbirds have a sweet tooth, just like some people! They’re really attracted to the sugary nectar in flowers.
But sometimes, they visit feeders to get that sweet treat too. These feeders are like fast-food restaurants for them, offering nectar that’s easy to access.
It saves them energy and time, which they need for their speedy flights.
Super Memory and Navigation Skills of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are like little map experts. They can remember where they found nectar before and where their favorite flowers are.
Even if we move their feeder, they might take a little while to find it again, but their incredible memory and navigation skills help them get back on track.
How to move a hummingbird feeder without losing the birds
Step 1: You can move the feeder gradually. Don’t move the feeder too far away or too quickly, as this will confuse the birds. Try moving it a few inches or feet each day until it is in the new location.
Step 2: Keep the feeder full of fresh nectar. Hummingbirds are attracted to the smell of nectar, so keeping the feeder full and fresh will help them find it.
Step 3: Try to place the feeder in a similar location to the old one, with the same amount of sunlight and shade.
Here are some tips:
- If you are moving the feeder to a new location, try to do it during the day when the birds are active.
- If you are moving the feeder a long distance, you can try to transport it in a covered container. This will help keep the nectar from spoiling and the birds from getting confused.
- If you are moving the feeder to a different season, you may need to adjust the amount of nectar you use. In the winter, you may need to use less nectar, as the birds will not be as active.
How to choose the right hummingbird feeder
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right hummingbird feeder.
Type of feeder
There are two main types of hummingbird feeders: saucer feeders and inverted feeders.
Saucer feeders are the most common type of feeder. They are easy to fill and clean, but they can be difficult to keep full, as the nectar can evaporate quickly.
Inverted feeders are more expensive than saucer feeders, but they are more efficient at keeping the nectar fresh.
Material
Hummingbird feeders are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, and metal. Plastic feeders are the most affordable option, but they can be more difficult to clean.
Glass feeders are more durable and easier to clean, but they can break if they are dropped. Metal feeders are the most durable option, but they can be more expensive.
Color
Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so red feeders are the most popular. However, you can also find feeders in other colors, such as yellow, orange, and pink.
Capacity
The capacity of the feeder will depend on how often you plan to refill it. If you are only going to refill the feeder once a week, you will need a larger capacity feeder.
Features
Some hummingbird feeders come with features that can help attract and keep hummingbirds, such as perches, flowers, and mirrors.
How to maintain hummingbird nectar
- Use the right ingredients. The best ingredients for hummingbird nectar are white sugar and water. You can also use cane sugar or beet sugar, but avoid using honey, brown sugar, molasses, or artificial sweeteners.
- Mix the ingredients properly. The ratio of sugar to water should be 1:4. This means that for every part of sugar, you should use 4 parts of water.
- Boil the water before mixing it with the sugar. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present in the water.
- Let the nectar cool completely before filling the feeder. This will prevent the nectar from getting moldy.
- Replace the nectar every 2-3 days. This is important to prevent the nectar from spoiling and attracting mold.
- Clean the feeder every time you refill it. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Avoid using red food coloring. Red food coloring can be harmful to hummingbirds.
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard
1. Plant hummingbird-friendly flowers
Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of flowers, so planting flowers that they like is a great way to attract them to your yard.
Some popular hummingbird flowers include:
- Red, orange, and pink flowers, such as bee balm, columbine, and trumpet vine
- Hummingbird sage
- Scarlet monkeyflower
- Fuchsia
- Lobelia
2. Hang a hummingbird feeder
A hummingbird feeder is a surefire way to attract hummingbirds to your yard. When choosing a feeder, look for one that is red, as hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. You can also make your own hummingbird feeder at home.
3. Keep your feeder clean and full
Hummingbirds need nectar to survive, so it is important to keep your feeder clean and full. Replace the nectar every 2-3 days to prevent it from spoiling.
4. Place your feeder in a sunny spot
Hummingbirds prefer to feed in sunny spots rather than rainy, so place your feeder in a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
5. Avoid using red food coloring
Hummingbirds do not need red food coloring to attract them to your feeder. In fact, red food coloring can be harmful to hummingbirds.
6. Provide a water source
Hummingbirds also need water to survive, so providing a water source in your yard will help attract them. You can put out a birdbath or a shallow dish of water.
7. Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to hummingbirds, so it is important to avoid using them in your yard. If you must use pesticides, be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions.
FAQ
Do hummingbirds remember feeder locations?
Yes, hummingbirds can remember feeder locations. They have a good memory for their feeding areas, and they will often return to the same feeder day after day.
How many locations can a hummingbird remember?
Hummingbirds can remember up to 100 different feeder locations. However, the number of locations they can remember will vary depending on the individual bird and the environment.
How do birds find bird feeders so quickly?
Hummingbirds find bird feeders quickly by using a combination of their vision, hearing, and memory.
They can see the red color of the feeders from a long distance, and they can hear the sound of the nectar dripping. They also remember the location of the feeders from their previous visits.
How often should I change the nectar in my feeder?
You should change the nectar in your feeder every 2-3 days. This is important to prevent the nectar from spoiling and attracting mold.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds love sweet nectar and are sometimes drawn to our feeders. Even when we move these feeders, their fantastic memory and navigation skills help them find their way back.
I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.
