As you walk into your backyard, you see something unusual. A hummingbird is hovering over a particular spot and intensely focused on…. what? Oh, that was where your old, broken nectar feeder used to hang. You may be asking yourself, why do hummingbirds keep coming back to an empty feeder? You’re seeing the Home Spot theory in action.
The Camera Feeder We Use In Our Own Backyard
See Today's PriceThis is a typical situation for people watching birds in their backyards. It can be puzzling when you have a brand new feeder that’s hanging only a few feet away. The good news is that learning some basic facts about hummingbird behavior can get your little visitors back on track.
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The Home Spot Theory Explained
Hummingbirds use a lot of spatial memory. They do not just look for bright red colors. They are mapping out in three dimensions the exact coordinates of every place with nectar.
This mapping ability is amazing. A hummingbird can remember which flowers have the most nectar, when the flowers refill, and of course, the locations of those flowers. They also remember the precise GPS coordinates of your feeder. The Home Spot theory posits that a hummingbird’s spatial memory overshadows its other memory systems. They remember the location of the food source, but not the food source itself.
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Why Your New Feeder Is Being Ignored
It must be enraging to watch birds completely disregard your beautiful new feeder. You might blame the birds for not liking its shape and new perches. The truth is, they are following their internal maps, and the feeder’s location just doesn’t fit in.
Hummingbirds have a few daily routines. They will go to the same exact branch to look for nectar, even if it is not there. Because of this, if you have moved your feeder to a different spot, they will not know it’s there, and they will not visit it. They are not refusing to visit the feeder because they are angry at you; they just need help re-mapping their mental map.
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When you know how hummingbirds navigate, changing feeders becomes a breeze. No special tools or equipment are required to make the switch. Just follow these tips for birds to find their new feeding spot.
Feeder Transition Checklist
- The quickest way to get birds to start using your new feeder is to place it in the exact same spot as the old one.
- If you have to move the feeding station, first hang the new feeder in the old location. After the birds start using it, move the feeder a few feet a day until it arrives at the new location.
- Keep the nectar fresh: Make sure the new feeder is filled with a simple, fresh batch of homemade nectar (four parts water to one part white sugar).
- Add a temporary visual cue: If the new feeder is a completely different color or style, tie a small red ribbon to the pole for the first few days to catch their attention.
Planting a Natural Backup
Feeders can break, fall, or sometimes they just need to be removed for a deep clean. In order to always have a reason for your hummingbirds to visit your yard, it is a great idea to plant a natural backup. Native pollinator plants added to your garden will give a reliable food source that will never shatter or leak.
Hummingbirds love tubular flowers that hold plenty of nectar. Depending on your growing zone, you might try planting cardinal flower, bee balm, or coral honeysuckle. These native plants act as permanent waypoints on your local hummingbirds’ mental maps. When your feeder is out of commission, your garden will still provide the energy they need.
Sereniseed Hummingbird Wildflower Mix Seeds 2 oz
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Birding in your backyard takes patience. If hummingbirds are still hovering around their old feeders, don’t worry. Just remember to keep your feeder clean, keep it in the same place, and give the birds a few days to adjust to your feeder. They will update their internal maps and return to feed.
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