I have the privilege of watching these creatures fly around my yard for many years. I know that with the right equipment, you can easily turn your yard into a hummingbird sanctuary. If you are just getting started, or looking to improve your experience, these items will help you create and sustain the ideal environment for these small birds.
Bring Woodpeckers & Nuthatches To Your Yard
Check Price1. High quality feeders for hummingbirds.
Consider buying two to three glass feeders which have ant moats and feeder perches. Check for easy cleaning options and red features (hummingbirds' favorite color). The best feeders have multiple feeding ports, strong construction, and fully disassemblable parts for easy cleaning. Stay away from plastic feeders which degrade with sun exposure and choose glass ones which will last for years.
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2. Nectar Mixing Container
When mixing the nectar, look for a container with measurement markings to make the process easier. Find one that’s at least 4 cups to provide enough room for the nectar and also has a wide opening to make cleaning easier. The ideal ones have a closeable lid to keep extra nectar in the fridge and a pour spout to avoid messes when filling feeders.
3. Tools and Brushes for Cleaning Bottles
A specialized set of bottle brushes is ideal for keeping your feeders clean. To reach every nook and cranny, consider getting small port brushes to clean feeding hole. To clean even smaller spaces, include some pipe cleaners, and for the outer surfaces to scrub brush to help stop the growth of mold and bacteria that can become dangerous.
4. Pruning Shears
Premium bypass pruning shears are important for pruning plants that attract hummingbirds. Good shears have comfortable handles, blades that are rust resistant and cut easily, and can make clean cuts without crushing stems. These tools assist in deadheading flowers to promote continuous blooming, and help to shape your nectar-producing plants during the growing season.
5. Feeder Hanging System
A great hanging system has strong adjustable brackets and shepherd's hooks to hold several feeders. Choose systems made from weather-resistant, rust-proof materials such as powder-coated steel or aluminum. Ideal systems also allow easy adjustment of feeders to predatory safe and maintenance accessible heights and positions.
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6. Garden Hand Trowel
A good quality trowel is also important for keeping the build quality of your hummingbird garden. Good quality trowels that are built to last also includes trowels made out of stainless steel or aluminum (with a rust-resistant coating) and depth marking on the blade. Select trowels that are designed with a slightly wider blade because that will help you to plant bigger perennials without a problem.
7. Watering Can with Rain Wand
A decent watering can with an adjustable rain wand will help you water your delicate, hummingbird-attracting plants. Get a can that holds 2 gallons and has multiple spray options on the wand. The best watering cans have a balanced handle, and is made from UV resistant materials to avoid degrading from the sun.
8. Garden Journal and Reference Guide
Document your garden upkeep and hummingbird activity in your journal. You can write about which plants were favorites, and when you saw your first and last visitors. Look for one that has durable covers, and perhaps contains documents about your area's hummingbird species and their native plant preferences.
9. Ant Moat Accessories
For feeders that don't have built-in protections for ants, extra ant moats are a must. These simple devices stop ants from accessing the nectar by making a water barrier. Find a moat made out of good materials (ideally with a weather resistant coating) and is large enough to keep the water barrier during hot weather.
10. Timer-Based Sprinkler System
Sprinkler systems that are timer-based help keep a consistent amount of moisture for the plants that attract hummingbirds. Systems that have different programming options with a rain delay feature should be chosen. Systems that are the best have different watering zones and can also be adjusted by season to give the best conditions to grow your garden.
11. Plant Markers and Labels
To identify your hummingbird-friendly plants and their care instructions, use durable plant markers. Examples of good markers have space for both common and botanical names, as well as planting dates and bloom times to assist you in maintaining optimal flowering schedules. UV-resistant markers made of stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic are great options.
12. Hummingbird Perch Stakes
Hummingbirds will defend their feeding territory and will need places to rest and stake out their territory. Some weatherproof and weather-resistant products work well for this purpose and offer multiple branching designs at varying heights. The ideal perch will have a single thin horizontal branch that will simulate a resting branch and will be easy to place at various locations in your garden.
13. Garden Tool Belt or Apron
Appropriately designed garden aprons and tool belts help keep the most needed maintenance items at your fingertips while at your hummingbird garden. Try to find one that has several pockets for pruners, trowels, and plant markers and an additional larger pocket for collecting deceased blossoms. The best choices have a canvas or water resistant material and have adjustable straps for comfort during longer gardening periods.
14. Nectar Guard Tips
These ports are made to block bigger bugs from getting to the nectar but still let the hummingbirds feed! Look for guards made of cleanable flexible and durable materials that are easily replaceable. The best nectar guards have mesh to keep away the bees and wasps but still allow easy access to the nectar for hummingbirds.
