Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. Their brightly colored plumage, incredible speed and agility, and ability to hover in mid-air make them a joy to watch. Many people enjoy attracting hummingbirds to their yards by setting up feeders full of sugary liquid that mimics the nectar in flowers. When putting up a hummingbird feeder, one of the most important considerations is the height of the pole used to hang the feeder. The ideal height can make a big difference in how often hummingbirds visit your feeder. This article will examine the factors that determine the optimal height for a hummingbird feeder pole.
Why Does Pole Height Matter?
Hummingbirds are very small, usually 3 to 5 inches long, with most species weighing less than a penny. Despite their tiny size, they have voracious appetites and need to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day. Hummingbirds also tend to be rather territorial around feeders, chasing away other hummers that try to feed. Because of their small stature and appetite, height matters when positioning hummingbird feeders. Mounting the feeder too low can result in other wildlife trying to access the nectar. Squirrels, cats, bears and other curious critters may scare away the hummers or damage the feeder. Too high, and it becomes difficult for the hummingbirds to access. The ideal height keeps the feeder safely out of reach of other animals while still allowing easy use by hummers.
Height Recommendations
Most experts recommend hanging hummingbird feeders 5 to 7 feet above the ground. Here are some more specific height guidelines:
– For a single feeder, mount the pole so the feeder hangs around 5 feet high. This places the entry ports comfortably at hummingbird height.
– If hanging multiple feeders, have the lowest one at 5 feet and space additional feeders 1 to 2 feet apart vertically up the pole.
– In areas frequented by bears, raise feeders up to 7 feet high or more to discourage bears from investigating.
– For balconies and other areas hummingbirds approach from below, hang feeders 3 to 5 feet below the overhang so hummers have an unobstructed path.
– In windy areas, get a pole extender to raise the feeder up about 7 feet. This helps stabilize it in wind.
– Near windows, keep feeders 3 feet away horizontally and minimize height to reduce collisions.
Pole and Hanger Selection
The pole system you select helps determine the ideal feeder height. Here are some pole configurations and mounting options:
Shepherd’s hook pole: Curved single pole that mounts on a deck, post, or into the ground. Allows quick height adjustments. Hang feeder from hook on end. Maximum height is usually under 6 feet.
Straight pole with hanger: Straight vertical pole with a removable feeder hanger that slides up and down. Lets you pick custom height. Pole mounts on deck or spikes into ground.
Pole with adjustable bracket arm: Vertical pole with bracket arm that extends horizontally. Arm adjusts up and down to move feeder higher or lower easily.
Hanging from eaves/roofline: Use wire, cord, or chain to hang feeder from eve or gutter. Adjust height by length you hang feeder below roofline.
Feeder with hook/clip: Some feeders come with built-in hook or clip to easily attach right onto a pole, tree, or other elevated object. Lets you hang at desired height.
Pole extension: Pole that attaches to existing pole to extend its reach higher. Great for windy spots. Can get unstable at heights over 10 feet.
Clamp with arm: Clamps to railings, poles, etc. and has adjustable arm to hang feeder from. Allows quickly changing height.
Considerations for Determining Height
Here are some other factors to help dial in the optimal feeder height:
– Safety – Raise high enough so pets, squirrels and other wildlife can’t reach.
– Comfort – Low enough hummingbirds don’t have to strain to feed. 5-6 feet is ideal.
– Surroundings – Adjust for nearby trees, structures and obstacles that affect flight path.
– Predators – Keep in open away from tree branches where predators perch.
– Convenience – Height should enable easy filling and cleaning without needing step ladder.
– Durability – Pick sturdy pole that handles weather and hummingbird traffic.
– Visual appeal – Select height that looks pleasing for the setting.
– Number of birds – For multiple hummers, hang several feeders at varying heights.
Troubleshooting Pole Heights
Use these tips if you encounter issues with your feeder pole height:
Birds don’t seem to notice feeder – Lower feeder or place brightly colored objects around it to attract hummingbirds.
Other animals stealing nectar – Raise pole and feeder higher to deter other wildlife. Try 7 feet up.
Feeder swaying in wind – Add pole extension to raise feeder above most wind turbulence or stabilize pole.
Difficult to fill and clean – Opt for a pulley system to easily raise and lower feeder.
Hummers straining to reach – Lower feeder so hummers can access it comfortably. Go down to 5 feet.
Avoiding collisions with wires – Ensure feeder is not located directly below any wires or obstructions.
Conclusion
Properly positioning hummingbird feeders between 5 and 7 feet high fulfills both the needs of hummers and feeder owners. This height range situates the feeder securely out of the reach of potential nectar thieves or vandals. It also enables easy access by hummingbirds. Within this optimal range, base the exact height on the style of pole, number of feeders, and layout of your space. Adjusting the setup slightly higher may be required in some instances to deter bears and other determined nectar bandits. With a good feeder height, you can sit back and enjoy hours of entertainment watching hummingbirds zip wildly around your yard all summer long.