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ants in the window hummingbird feeder
Last season a customer purchased this window hummingbird feeder in hopes of not only attracting the tiny jewels, but bringing them closer to home for better viewing. She seemed happy with her purchase, until I received a note saying there were ants swimming in the nectar!Now this is perfectly understandable, ants being a constant battle with nectar feeders, but…. this window hummingbird feeder has a built-in ant moat.
So I proceeded to ask: “Is the moat filled with water” and she said “yes”. “Has the moat always been filled with water?” I asked, rather puzzled. After explaining that ants can’t swim, if the moat were consistently filled with water, this would be impossible. Ants just can not cross a body of water. So, my belief is that the water must have evaporated from the moat – it’s really the only logical explanation.
By the way, this is a great little window hummingbird feeder because it allows for full view of birds. It can also be used as a seed feeder during colder months, attracting more feathered friends for close-up viewing!
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Don’t Touch That Window Hummingbird Feeder!
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.
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And For The Cats’ Enjoyment – One Window Hummingbird Feeder
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!
Birding Tips, Information & News
