Hummingbirds are naturally curious and territorial creatures.
Their small size and high metabolism require them to frequently feed on nectar throughout the day. This need for regular nourishment often overcomes their hesitancy to approach feeders or flowers where bees are present.
However, there are some key considerations when placing hummingbird feeders that can help attract hummingbirds while minimizing competition from bees.
The Draw of Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds are highly attracted to the nectar in hummingbird feeders for several reasons:
Convenience – Feeders provide a reliable, easily accessible source of nutrition.
Taste – Refined white sugar in feeder nectar provides quick energy.
Color – Vibrant red feeders attract hummingbirds.
Location – Feeders are often strategically placed to appeal to territories.
This means that even if bees are feeding at a hummingbird feeder, hummingbirds will still likely visit it regularly throughout the day. Their motivation to access the sweet nectar generally outweighs hesitation about the presence of bees.
Strategies to Minimize Bees at Feeders
While hummingbirds will still use feeders with bee activity, there are some tips that can help reduce bee interest:
- Use a feeder with bee guards or built-in moats. This restricts bee access.
- Hang feeders in shaded spots. Bees prefer sun-warmed nectar.
- Elevate feeders. Bees often fly close to the ground.
- Clean feeders regularly with a water & vinegar solution. This helps eliminate bee-attracting buildup.
- Avoid using brown sugar in nectar. Bees are more attracted to it.
Implementing some of these strategies can redirect bees to pollen sources and naturally lure hummingbirds to feeders.
When Bees Dominate a Feeder
At times bees may still overwhelm a feeder, preventing hummingbird access. This is more likely in peak bee season or if a feeder is placed near a hive. When this happens:
- Relocate the feeder at least 10 feet away if possible. This helps establish distance from the hive.
- Try different nectar mixes. Bees have lower sugar preferences than hummingbirds.
- Use multiple feeders spread apart to disperse bees. Having options prevents crowding.
- Remove the feeder temporarily. A break can reset bee interest.
Making adjustments to manage busy bee activity establishes suitable access for more timid hummingbirds.
Impact of Natural Food Sources
The availability of flowers, shrubs, and trees in bloom impacts bee and hummingbird competition. When fewer natural nectar sources are present:
- Bees rely more heavily on feeders for nourishment.
- Hummingbirds become more territorial over feeder access.
- Both species may tolerate each other’s presence to meet nutritional needs.
In peak seasons with plentiful blossoms, competition decreases as bees and hummingbirds can take advantage of separate food resources more easily. But during dry periods or winter months, they depend more exclusively on feeders.
Benefits of Feeding Bees
While minimizing bee presence allows hummingbirds better feeder access, bees offer ecological benefits that warrant feeder use as well. Bees play an integral role in plant pollination and the food chain.
Providing nectar resources can help offset population declines from factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. Allowing some bee feeder use supports overall ecosystem health.
Hummingbird Feeder Placement Tips
Strategic feeder placement is key for attracting hummingbirds while deterring bees. Ideal placement includes:
- Areas shaded by trees, awnings, or eaves.
- Elevated posts, hooks, or hangers.
- Spots near flowering plants away from hives.
- Locations changed periodically to prevent territorial issues.
- Areas hummingbirds frequent like yards or gardens.
Feeders should also be cleaned thoroughly and nectar replaced every few days to promote freshness. Following these tips allows hummingbirds to access clean, bee-minimized feeders regularly.
Adaptability of Hummingbirds
One advantage hummingbirds have over bees is their flying agility and adaptability. A few strategies hummingbirds use when bees are present include:
- Approaching quickly to startle bees away.
- Hovering above the feeder and eating upwards.
- Feeding early in the morning before bees are active.
- Visiting the feeder more frequently in smaller meals.
These adaptations allow hummingbirds to access nectar despite bee activity at the feeder. Their flexibility and speed support their ability to feed alongside bees when necessary.
Using Separate Feeders for Bees
An option utilized by some bird enthusiasts is maintaining designated bee feeders separate from hummingbird feeders. Ideas include:
- Simple shallow dishes of sugar water placed on the ground.
- Suspended jars with holes punched in the lid.
- Low-positioned feeders made from recycled materials.
- Nectar feeders designed specifically for bees.
Separate bee feeders reduce competition at hummingbird feeders. But they require more maintenance and should be distanced to minimize confusion between the feeders.
Hummingbird Feeder Type Comparisons
There are a few common types of hummingbird feeders, each with their own pros and cons:
- Funnel Feeders – Inverted bottles with feeding ports. Pros: Easy viewing, easy to clean and fill. Cons: Bees access nectar.
- Saucer Feeders – Open shallow reservoirs with tops. Pros: Allow perching and multiple feeding ports. Cons: Exposed nectar is attractive to bees.
- Tube Feeders – Nectar stored in tubes with feeding holes. Pros: Limit bee access. Cons: Mold risk, tricky cleaning.
- Dish Feeders – Cup or bowl shaped. Pros: Decorative, easy to use. Cons: Completely open design favors bees.
Tube and funnel style feeders are best for deterring bees. But saucer and dish options still attract hummingbirds through strategic placement away from pollinators.
Reducing Ant Invaders
Along with bees, ants can also overtake hummingbird feeders. Preventing ants includes:
- Placing feeders on posts or hooks away from structures.
- Coating hangers or posts in petroleum jelly or oil to block trails.
- Using ant moats or trays with water to separate feeders.
- Combining water and vinegar or oil in moat containers.
Checking for ant trails regularly allows timely intervention when needed. Addressing invaders preserves nectar for hummingbirds rather than competitors.
Balcony Hummingbird Feeding Tips
Even high-rise balconies can attract hummingbirds by:
- Using heavy-dutyPlanting pollinator-friendly hanging pots or planters to draw hummingbirds.
- Positioning feeders near flowering baskets.
- Elevating feeders on high poles above the floor.
- Adding mesh or caged barriers if bees persist.
- Bringing feeders indoors overnight to prevent ant colonization.
Apartment hummingbird feeding is possible by optimizing placement and adapting approaches to outsmart competitors.
Troubleshooting Common Feeder Problems
Preventing common feeder issues ensures a healthy and clean nectar source for hummingbirds:
- Cloudy Nectar – Caused by mold, yeast, or bacteria. Replace nectar every 2-3 days.
- Insect Infestations – Clean feeders fully with a vinegar soak and water rinse. Limit food residue.
- Leaking – Check that seals are tightly closed and parts are firmly attached.
- Chipped Feeders – Use sealant if cracks are small or purchase a replacement.
- Scratched Plastic – Buff out superficial marks gently. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers.
- Tipped Feeders – Stabilize hanging feeders with potato pins or add heavier bottoms.
Routine maintenance keeps feeders functioning optimally all season.
Adding Fruit to Feeders
While nectar mimics the all-important diet hummingbirds rely on, some people add small fruit pieces too. Ideas include:
- Diced oranges – For extra vitamin C and carotenoids.
- Chopped apples – High in fiber, water, and essential minerals.
- Melon cubes – Provides hydration.
- Halved grapes – Natural sugars aid energy.
- Banana slices – Packed with potassium.
- Chopped strawberries – Loaded with antioxidants.
Fruits offer supplemental nourishment but still require an overall focus on energy-rich nectars.
Making Homemade Nectar
Store-bought nectar mixes simplify hummingbird feeding. However, homemade nectar is also an option. Basic recipes include:
- 1 part white granulated sugar boiled in 4 parts water.
- 1 cup sugar mixed with 4 cups hot water until dissolved.
- 1/4 cup sugar per 1 cup water for easier mixing.
Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners which are harmful to hummingbirds. Store refrigerated unused portions.
Fermenting and Spoiling Prevention
To prevent nectar fermentation and spoilage:
- Make fresh batches every 2-3 days.
- Refrigerate unused portions.
- Always wash hands before handling.
- Sanitize feeders before refilling.
- Use clean utensils for mixing.
- Don’t mix old and new nectar.
Proper hygiene stops bacteria growth allowing nectar to stay fresh longer.
Essential Feeder Cleaning Tips
Consistent cleaning keeps feeders safe and appealing:
- Weekly deep cleans remove residue.
- Use diluted vinegar weekly to kill bacteria.
- Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
- Replace cloudy nectar right away.
- Take feeders apart fully to access all areas.
- Clean ports, perches, and lids thoroughly.
- Let air dry fully before refilling.
Proper care and cleaning allows hummingbirds to thrive all season long.
Discouraging Aggressive Birds
Some larger and more aggressive birds like orioles may monopolize feeders. Strategies to support hummingbirds include:
- Use feeders with smaller perch spaces and guard rings.
- Hang multiple feeders spread widely apart.
- Provide oriole-specific nectar sources.
- Scare off problematic birds with noisemakers.
- Take down feeders at night when bullies are most active.
A few adjustments can create room for all species to take turns at the feeders.
Identifying Feeder Visitors
Getting to know common feeder visitors helps ensure proper care:
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird – Iridescent green-red males and drab green-grey females.
Rufous Hummingbird – Bright orange males and green females.
Anna’s Hummingbird – Emerald green males with pink heads and grey females.
Allen’s Hummingbird – Males have fiery orange heads and tails, with green backs.
Calliope Hummingbird – Tiny with vivid purple throats and white streaking.
Research helps identify species and their behaviors for ideal care.
Feeder Number Recommendations
Determining how many feeders to use depends on:
- Land availability – More space allows multiple spread out feeders.
- Hummingbird population – More hummingbirds warrant extra feeders.
- Feeder size – Larger capacity reduces refills needed.
- Competing species – Extra feeders minimize guarding.
- Time constraints – Additional feeders extend time between refills.
Typically 2-3 feeders support most home needs. But monitor activity and add more if warranted.
Hummingbird Species Guides
Learning to identify common feeder species helps understand behaviors and needs:
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Most widely distributed in Eastern U.S.
- Flashes of metallic red on male’s throat.
- Females lack red throat coloring.
- Aggressive around feeders.
- Prefer older gardens and woodland edges.
Anna’s Hummingbird
- One of largest species.
- Common along the Pacific Coast.
- Males have iridescent reddish-pink head and throat.
- Nests and feeds year round in mild climates.
- Attracted to feeders in backyards and parks.
Rufous Hummingbird
- Travels farthest of all species.
- Males are bright rusty orange.
- Females are green above, white below.
- Prefer open areas like meadows and plains.
- Nests earliest in spring.
Observing behaviors provides clues to species identities.
Common Backyard Bird Feeder Invaders
Hummingbirds often compete with other backyard visitors at feeders like:
Bees – Attracted to sugar nectar. Can be deterred with moats or bee guards.
Wasps – Drawn to sweetness and meat. Use traps or knock down nests.
Ants – Invade anything sticky or sweet. Stop them with petroleum jelly on poles.
Orioles – Also drink nectar. Provide fruit offerings to divert them.
