Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they buzz around feeding on nectar from colorful flowers or an artificial feeder. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, placing a feeder near a window can provide easy viewing and enjoyment of these tiny birds. However, you need to consider a few factors when deciding how far to position a hummingbird feeder from a window. Getting the distance right will keep the hummingbirds comfortable and allow you to observe them up close.
Why Place a Hummingbird Feeder Near a Window?
There are several benefits to putting a hummingbird feeder close to a window:
- Allows for easy viewing – Sitting indoors near a window, you can conveniently watch the hummingbirds feed and interact. You don’t have to go outdoors to enjoy them.
- Lets you photograph/film the birds – With the feeder and birds right outside the window, you can get great photos and videos of hummingbirds up close.
- Hummingbirds may be more active by window – Some experts suggest hummingbirds are more likely to feed from a feeder placed near a window. The activity in the house may pique their curiosity.
- Can deter other pests – Locating the feeder by a window may discourage larger pests like squirrels from trying to get to the nectar.
With a window feeder, you get all the benefits of watching gorgeous hummingbirds doing aerobatics right outside as you go about your indoor activities.
Potential Downsides of a Window-Mounted Feeder
While positioning a feeder near a window has definite perks, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:
- May frighten hummingbirds – Being too close to human living spaces could scare more timid hummingbirds away from the feeder.
- Risk of window collisions – Hummingbirds that use the window feeder regularly could accidentally fly into the glass, especially if they get startled.
- Exposure to indoor cats/dogs – Pet cats and dogs inside may harass or stress hummingbirds just on the other side of the glass.
- Not suitable for hot windows – Feeders placed directly in hot sunlight against windows can overheat the nectar, making it unappetizing to hummingbirds.
To enjoy your window-mounted feeder safely, some adjustments will be needed to ensure hummingbirds feel comfortable using it without any hazards.
Ideal Distance from a Window
Most experts recommend placing a hummingbird feeder at least 3 feet from any window. Here are some guidelines on positioning:
- 3-4 feet away – This distance provides a good buffer that reduces window collisions but still allows for easy viewing. Hummingbirds have room to maneuver comfortably without feeling threatened.
- 5-6 feet away – Gives hummingbirds more space from window but still an observable distance. May prevent them from associating the window with the feeder.
- 7-10 feet away – Keeps feeder far enough from window to minimize distress to hummingbirds from indoor pets or people. Gives privacy but viewing requires some movement.
- 10+ feet away – At this far distance, you won’t be able to see the feeder well from indoors. Better if feeder is primarily intended to attract birds, not for viewing.
Ideally, most hummingbird enthusiasts place their feeders 3 to 6 feet from windows. This is close enough to allow easy viewing, photos and videos while giving the hummingbirds enough personal space.
Tips on Positioning a Window Hummingbird Feeder
Follow these tips when mounting your hummingbird feeder near a window:
- Face the feeder toward the window – So when the birds are feeding, they face into the room rather than towards open spaces that may seem threatening.
- Keep out of direct sun – Make sure the feeder hangs in the shade so the nectar doesn’t overheat. Use a shade attachment if needed.
- Place feeder to side of window – Positioning feeder off to the side rather than directly in front of the window can cut down on collisions.
- Break up window reflections – Use decals, screens or sheer curtains to prevent windows from appearing too reflective and confusing birds.
- Move feeder farther at night – You may opt to move the feeder farther from the window in evenings when indoor lights could disorient hummingbirds in the dark.
Setting up your feeder thoughtfully will entice hummingbirds to show up during the day without scaring them off or putting them at risk. Pay attention to the birds’ reactions and adjust the feeder as needed.
Outdoor Feeder Location Considerations
In addition to the distance from the window, also factor in these outdoor elements when placing your hummingbird feeder:
- Convenient perches – Have small branches, posts or hooks around the feeder so hummingbirds can comfortably perch and look for danger before approaching.
- Partial shade/sun mix – Hummingbirds like feeding areas that have a combination of sun exposure and shade to escape the heat.
- Sheltered from wind – Areas protected from gusty winds will prevent the nectar from being blown out of the feeder as easily.
- Away from bushes – Don’t hang the feeder directly next to bushes, trees or garden walls, as cats may hide and pounce from these locations.
- Near natural flowers – Having native plants that attract hummingbirds will complement the feeder location and provide extra food sources.
Setting up in a spot that makes hummingbirds feel relaxed and secure will encourage more frequent visits to your window feeder.
Maintaining a Window Feeder
To keep your window-mounted hummingbird feeder clean and functional:
- Use fresh nectar – Clean out old nectar and refill feeder with fresh nectar every 2-3 days, more often in hot weather. Only use plain white sugar and water.
- Change drinking ports – Scrub the feeder ports regularly to prevent mold, using a bottle brush.
- No food coloring – Never add red food coloring, as this can be harmful to hummingbird health.
- Clean the exterior – Wipe down the feeder exterior periodically with a diluted bleach solution to kill germs.
- Consider guards – Add bee guards or wire mesh to prevent bees, ants and other pests from overrunning the feeder.
With proper care and cleaning, your window feeder will continue attracting gorgeous hummingbirds for many seasons of enjoyment!
Conclusion
Hanging a hummingbird feeder outside a window is an easy way to get up-close viewing and photographs of these energetic little birds. Ideally, most experts recommend suspending the feeder 3 to 6 feet from the window pane. This gives hummingbirds enough space that they don’t feel threatened by indoor activity but still allows you to conveniently watch them feed.
Consider feeder placement carefully to avoid window collisions, overheating, and harassment from indoor pets. And maintain the feeder well by changing the nectar frequently and cleaning buildup on ports and the exterior. With a thoughtful setup and proper care, you’ll be rewarded with endless hours of hummingbird fun right outside your window!
