Having a hummingbird feeder blow around in the wind can be frustrating. The constant motion can cause the nectar to leak out and make a mess. It can also prevent hummingbirds from being able to access the feeder. There are several strategies you can use to keep your hummingbird feeder stable even when it’s windy outside.
Use a Sturdy Hanger or Hook
One of the easiest ways to prevent your hummingbird feeder from blowing around is to hang it from something sturdy. Look for a hanger made from thick metal that won’t bend or sway in the breeze. A shepherds hook planted firmly in the ground is ideal. You can also hang your feeder from a porch rafter, tree branch, or other stable mounting point. Just make sure whatever you use can handle the weight of a full hummingbird feeder which is typically 1-2 pounds.
Add Weight to the Feeder
Increasing the weight of your hummingbird feeder can help keep it from blowing around. Try filling the base with sand, gravel, marbles or even pennies. This makes it harder for the wind to knock the feeder around. Just be sure not to make it so heavy that the hanger can’t support the weight. Another option is to tie a weight like a large washer or fishing sinker to the bottom of the feeder using sturdy string or fishing line.
Use a Feeder with Perches
Look for a hummingbird feeder with multiple perches arrayed around it. When hummingbirds land on the perches to feed, their weight helps stabilize the feeder in windy conditions. More perches equals more stability. Feeders shaped like an inverted U or circle work best as they offer the most perching space.
Add a Wind Guard
Wind guards and baffles can prevent your hummingbird feeder from blowing around while still allowing hummingbirds easy access. Purchase a commercially made wind guard that attaches to the hanger above the feeder. You can also DIY a guard using supplies like PVC pipe or a plastic soda bottle. The guard should completely encircle the feeder and hang down a few inches below it. This creates a protective bubble of calm air so wind blows around rather than pushing the feeder.
Use a Larger Feeder
A larger, heavier hummingbird feeder is less susceptible to winds than smaller, lighter ones. Look for a feeder that holds at least 16 ounces. Glass feeders tend to be heavier than plastic ones. Just make sure to double check that the hanger/hook/branch can support the weight of a bigger, fuller feeder.
Place in a Sheltered Spot
Put your hummingbird feeder in an area protected from the wind if possible. Under the eaves of a porch or garage, beneath a tree canopy, or surrounded by shrubs are good choices. Avoid wide open areas with no wind breaks. If needed, add a temporary screen or windbreak to shelter the feeder.
Use a Feeder with Moats
Some hummingbird feeder designs incorporate moats or troughs around the nectar ports. These are filled with water and can help stabilize the feeder in wind. As hummingbirds hover over the moat to drink, the extra weight of their body over the water dampens the feeder’s movement. Look for a feeder with at least a couple moats evenly spaced around it.
Suspend From a Flexible Pole
Hanging your hummingbird feeder from a flexible pole allows the feeder to swing around with the wind rather than blow directly against it. Use a pole made from bamboo, springy metal, or even a fishing pole to give your feeder some bounce. This waving motion can also help attract hummingbirds from further away.
Hang From a Pulley System
Set up a simple pulley system to allow your hummingbird feeder to travel up and down along a rope or cable to reduce horizontal swinging. Run the rope or wire between two solid anchors like trees, posts, or an eave/porch railing. Attach a pulley to the anchors at each end and thread the cable through them. Connect your hummingbird feeder to a slider clip that glides smoothly up and down the cable. Add stops at both ends to prevent it from hitting the anchors.
Use Quick Links to Add Stabilizers
Quick links make it easy to attach extra cables that run from your hummingbird feeder up to the hanging hook. Position 3-4 quick links evenly around the top rim of the feeder. Clip cables into the links and run them up to attach to the main hanger hook. Keep these stabilizer cables somewhat loose to allow a bit of movement. The additional touchpoints help limit swinging motion.
Place Under an Umbrella
Adding an umbrella over your hummingbird feeder can shield it from gusting winds. Use a standard patio umbrella or clamp a golf umbrella to the porch railing, fence, or other fixture near the feeder. Position the umbrella so it is centered above the feeder. Leave the sides open for easy hummingbird access. Close the umbrella at night to prevent it blowing around in the dark.
Hang From a Bungee Cord
A bungee cord allows your hummingbird feeder to bounce around with the wind rather than fight against it. Stretch a bungee securely between two stable anchors like posts, trees or the walls of a patio or porch. Make sure the bungee is rated to handle the weight of a filled feeder. The elasticity helps absorb wind energy to limit excessive swinging that could dump out the nectar solution.
Add Tethers and Counterweights
Run multiple tethers from around the rim of the hummingbird feeder down to small weights on the ground. Position 3-4 tethers evenly spaced out. Use sturdy clips to attach the tethers to eye screw hooks inserted into the feeder rim. Run each tether down at about a 45 degree angle to a tent stake, landscape staple, brick, or other makeshift anchors driven into the soil. Keep the tethers somewhat loose and make sure they don’t block access for hummingbirds.
Place on a Platform Feeder
Platform feeders designed to sit on a deck railing, post, or other flat surface are naturally resistant to swinging and blowing around. Look for a platform feeder with sturdy gripping clips or clamps to securely attach it to the intended mount surface. Make sure the mounting area is strong enough to safely hold the feeder, especially with a full nectar reservoir.
Add a Counterbalance
A counterbalance on the opposite side of the hanger can help weigh down your hummingbird feeder against the wind. Tie a half-filled water or sand bottle to the hanger so it hangs at the same level as the feeder on the other side. Adjust the weight of the counterbalance so the feeder remains balanced. You can encase the counterbalance in a decorative cover to make it blend in better aesthetically.
Install a Snag-Free Hanger
Look for a hummingbird feeder hanger designed to prevent snags from tree branches. Choose an option with a dome or cage shape that stops thin branches from getting tangled. Install it high enough so the feeder hangs well below the protection. Make sure the installation is sturdy since this type of hanger has more surface area for wind to catch.
Conclusion
Preventing hummingbird feeders from blowing around in windy conditions is important to keep the nectar accessible and attract more hummingbirds. A variety of solutions like weights, wind guards, pulley systems, sheltered locations, and flexible mounting can help stabilize feeders. Experiment to discover which options work best for your specific feeder model and backyard setup. With a little trial-and-error, you’ll find a reliable way to deal with pesky winds so you can relax and enjoy watching your hummingbird visitors.
