If you've been into hummingbird watching for any length of time, you know how addicting it can be to watch them feed and play every day...

Since they're only around for part of the year, you want to make sure that they have an easy time finding your feeders so they can make it part of their daily routine.

Fortunately, there are simple and easy steps you can take to make your feeders highly visible and attractive for the hummingbirds. 

How to Attract Lots of Hummingbirds to your Feeders

Color

Most feeders today have enough red on them to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are attracted to red and other bright colors because these same colors represent flowers that supply nectar for their huge appetite. Feeders, of course, supply a food source for hummingbirds which is a primary necessity for survival.

If the red parts on your hummingbird feeders are getting a bit dull, you can repaint them using bright magenta nail polish. Make sure the nail polish is totally dry before you fill and place the feeder. When dry, the polish’s bright color is a visual signal to hungry hummers.

To initially attract hummingbirds for the first time, you can also hang red ribbons on your feeders which will help with their detection.

Don’t want to waste good nail polish and elbow grease on rehabilitating your tired, old hummingbird feeders? Go buy some new feeders. This time, get durable glass or heavy plastic feeders. Make sure they are designed for easy filling and that they come apart for easy cleaning.

Hummingbirds do not have a strong sense of smell.

They do however have excellent sight and are attracted to bright colors, especially red feeders filled with nectar. Most feeders today have enough red on them to attract hummingbirds.

Nectar

Due to their fast metabolism; they have a high demand for nectar. If you supply this vital need of nectar with flowers or feeders you will surely attract hummingbirds.

Feeders, of course, supply a food source for hummingbirds which is a primary necessity for survival. In much the same way as flowers. If your feeders are hung in an open area they will be easily detected/seen.

Hummingbirds use the nectar for their energy needs because of their fast metabolism. Their prime food supplements necessary for survival are actually protein, vitamins and minerals. Insects supply these vital needs.

A great new protein feeder has come along recently called the "Humm-Bug Insect Feeder"; a brilliant idea which holds banana peels to attract insects which feed on the peels. If the feeder is displayed near nectar feeders, hummingbirds will also have have insects along with nectar available!

Right Timing

These birds are loyal and once they find a habitat that satisfies their needs, they faithfully return year after year.

If you are new to attracting hummingbirds with feeders, timing will matter. Hummingbirds will spot your feeder if they are nearby or as they pass on the migration route. If your feeders are not present, the hummingbirds might pass you by

Hummingbirds do have a fantastic memory and will return to the same feeder every year. If these feeders are not out, the hummingbirds may leave to look somewhere else and never return. It’s true that our little friends come back to us loyally but they cannot live more than hours without nectar.

More Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbirds are territorial and are not likely to share "their" bee & wasp proof feeders. So, hang more feeders far enough apart to present more territories and to attract more birds.