Unique Birdhouse Boutique

Wild bird migrations are one of those pretty amazing feats of nature. Instinct is so keen, it’s what keeps birds alive. Hummingbirds don’t begin their long journey just because the temperatures start to drop. It is the dwindling hours of daylight that signals them it’s time to go.

Many Ruby Throats are mobbing feeders right now, furiously drinking as much as they can in preparation for the long trip to South and Central America. How these tiny birds manage to fly so far is beyond me? The other pretty amazing thing is that hummingbirds practice site fidelity. Which means if they find a friendly yard with food, shelter and moving water, you can bet they’ll be back next season.

The show at our window hummingbird feeder right now is spectacular! There’s hardly a moment throughout the day where it’s not occupied. Constant feeding (and fighting) has been going on for a about two weeks. If you have nectar feeders, especially a window hummingbird feeder, be sure to keep it filled with fresh nectar for the next few weeks. Even if you think your hummers have left for the season, many that are traveling from further north of you are likely to stop by and fuel up! Be on the lookout for the occasional flying jewel, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Aside from opportunities for great close up views and observation by humans, window feeders provide the same for indoor kittys. A believer that cats shouldn’t roam in yards to hunt wildlife, mine are indoor only, with a nice screened deck that’s “outside” for them.

The bird feeders, squirrel feeders and baths are really entertaining for them, they sit and watch for hours, sometimes getting a little vocal about their sightings. Today I visited a lady who’s rescued many a cat from shelters, vets’ offices, and parking lots. It was the most wonderful setup I’d ever seen. These cats had tunnels, cat walks, cat trees, and windows with shelves to sun, with many spots for access to contained outdoor areas. Outside, one was even hunting crickets, you wouldn’t think he even knew he was in a pen. Fresh air, grass beneath their feet, and nature right there with them.

In one of the many rooms, was a cat tree in front of a bay window. A window hummingbird feeder was providing nectar for several hungry hummers. Flitting and darting about they didn’t even notice, or seem to mind the big fat cat who was observing. It was really a cool site, and such a great idea. To feed the birds, and keep them safe from predators, while still entertaining the cats!

It’s a known fact that hummingbirds practice site fidelity – if they find great accommodations, there’s a very good chance they’ll return the following season. If you love watching the tiny sprites and have  window hummingbird feeders or hanging ones, there’s a couple more things you can offer to accommodate more hummingbirds, and keep them coming back.

They love water, and if it’s moving water – even better! Birdbath accessories like fountains and drippers act like a magnet for hummingbirds. I think the leaf misters might just be their favorite. The way they dance, back and forth to play and bathe in the fine mist is mesmerizing. I could sit and observe for hours if there were time. We have two misters, one is upright, staked in the ground, wrapped around a simple green plant stake with a twistie to hold the nozzle in place. The other is up higher, and more horizontal, off the front porch railing, attached to a metal bracket. They really love these things!

Another wonderful accessory (actually endorsed by The Hummingbird Society) is Hummer Helper Nesting Material. It’s a kit with a hanging, red flat basket, and nest material. Goldfinches use this material as well to build their nests. The good thing with the kit is that refills are also sold separately. Our kit saw a lot of activity last season, but I never could figure out where the nests were?

Try it and see for yourself!

The advantage to any window bird feeder is the close up view. Right from the comfort of sitting at your breakfast room table, sipping morning coffee (or guzzling in a frantic rush like most) wonderful bird behaviors are seamlessly incorporated into your day. Window feeders come in just about every kind and style, from platforms, and suet feeders, to tube style and hummingbird feeders.

What if you just wanted that feeder a few feet further, or didn’t really prefer it slap right on the window? This stylish window hummingbird feeder actually can be attached to a deck rail as well. It’s the perfect window hummingbird feeder…not on the window itself!

Other excellent hummingbird attractors include moving water and nesting material. Hummer Helper Nest Material has actually been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society as helpful for hummingbirds nesting process. Nectar producing flowers are always a sure bet, and brighten up any landscape. Window hummingbird feeders make great and long lasting gifts, that will be used again and again, to provide nourishment for hummers and entertainment for hosts.

If you’re lucky enough to have a breakfast room with a picture window and wonderful view, there’s no better place for a bird feeder! Whether sipping morning coffee, or frantically scrambling in the kitchen, this window can add a touch of mental therapy with nature’s beauty. There’s a reason for that saying: “Stop and smell the roses”.

This hand made nectar feeder actually mounts to the deck rail, but serves the same purpose as a window hummingbird feeder, it’s right there…complete with close up views. It’s difficult to capture the words when you’re viewing hummingbirds as they’re truly the most amazing of all migratory birds. Their sheer size, sweet song, daring acrobatics and crazy antics are really worth the effort of attracting them. And, if squirrels present a problem with bird feeders, this is a perfect feeder solution for summer months. Don’t forget to add a fresh water source for birds as well, you’ll attract more species with this simple resource.

You Must Try Misters Too!

Hummingbirds are in a league of their own…if you already attract and feed them-nothing more need be said. They’re the most anticipated of all migratory birds, and practice site fidelity. So if you’ve successfully accommodated them, chances are good they’ll be back next season. Basin and tube style hummingbird feeders work wonderfully for feeding the tiny jewels, although window hummingbird feeders will give you the advantage of close-up views.

Aside from feeders and nectar-producing flowers to attract them, hummingbirds need fresh water. Sticky nectar requires much bathing for their tiny feathers to function properly. They LOVE moving water too! Fountains and bubblers create the perfect bathing spots for them, as they’re able to perch and hover over moving water.

Leaf misters are hands-down one of their favorites. We have two at home that have been in use for several years. One mounted on the front porch rail, and one wrapped around a ground stake on the side of the house. Every year, we attract many hummers with this gentle misting spray, it’s an amazing site to behold!

Add Nesting Material Near Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbirds provide great entertainment, their sheer size and antics around feeders are fascinating to watch.  Did you know they are excellent pollinators too?  Yes, they’ll spread the love amongst your flower garden!

In the next month or so, hummingbirds will begin their long migration back to winter grounds in Central and South America, so nesting season is coming to a close for this year.  But…next year you can attract more of the tiny jewels at your window hummingbird feeder by adding nesting material made especially for hummingbirds.  It’s called Hummer Helper, and has been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society.

“It encourages nesting in a natural way” and may likely bring more fledglings to your feeders.  Hummingbirds also practice site fidelity, meaning they will return to the same spot every year if it benefits them.

Hummer Helper Nesting Material

Hummingbirds are probably the most anticipated of all migratory birds. Their crazy antics and acrobatics make them so fascinating to watch, it’s no wonder they’ve earned the nickname “tiny jewels”

Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is fairly simple: provide nectar, and keep them safe from predators.  Nectar can come from tubular flowers and hummingbird feeders…they like both!

In wanting to view the tiny jewels close up, window hummingbird feeders provide the perfect opportunity.  There are many models to choose from, most in a basin style, providing a no-drip feeder.

Another option for close up viewing is a deck-mount hummingbird feeder (shown above).  It attaches easily to any deck rail, and still provides that great, “up close and personal” view of tiny hummingbirds in your yard.

Simple Nectar Recipe: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water…nothing else in the mix as it will harm hummingbirds.

Boiling the water is not necessary–bacteria is spread through hummingbirds’ bills at the feeders. Boiling water does make for quicker dissolving of sugar. We boil 1 cup water, mix the sugar and add 3 cups of cold water. The nectar is ready with no cooling time.  Store unused portion in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

If you enjoy watching hummingbirds and have feeders in your yard to attract them, why not also encourage them to stay a while and nest there too?

A new product called Hummer Helper is specifically designed for hummingbirds.  It encourages them to nest naturally and nearby, thus increasing hummer population in your immediate area.  It has even been endorsed by The Hummingbird Society.

If you have a window hummingbird feeder, hang the hummer helper nearby to encourage tiny jewels to set up house in your backyard.  You’ll likely see more hummingbirds at feeders as fledglings begin feeding as well.  Since hummingbirds practice “site fidelity” there’s a strong chance you’ll see a greater increase in hummingbirds at your feeders each year.

Now what in the world could ladies makeup have to do with window hummingbird feeders you might ask?  Using red lipstick?  Extra blush perhaps?  None of the above.  The secret is in the mascara!  Yes, the tiny spiral brush from your (your wife’s) mascara is the absolute perfect size for cleaning tiny feeding ports on hummingbird feeders.

It’s easy to miss this part of the feeder when rinsing and refilling with nectar.  But it’s really important to keep these openings clean as bacteria builds up from microorganisms on hummingbirds’ bills. Keeping feeding ports clean helps to ensure your hummingbirds’ health.

Of course, be sure to wash the brush well before using it for this purpose, removing all evidence of makeup.  Running it through the dishwasher may be a good idea too.