Nectar is a sweet, refreshing, and sugary drink made out of a water and sugar cane solution that helps provide them with energy needed to keep them going throughout the day. On a typical day a single hummingbird could feed from 1,000 - 2,000 flowers a day scavenging for nectar! That’s a lot of flowers! But it can take some time for these flowers to replenish their nectar supply. This is where providing a hummingbird feeder can help boost the nectar supply in the hummingbird’s path!

There are several benefits to having a hummingbird feeder, especially if one is wanting to attract them to their garden or backyard. But hummingbird feeders and nectar are known for potentially attracting other birds too!

Some other feathered friends that could make a pit stop for a quick rest and sweet drink include orioles, grackles, finches, warblers, flickers, and titmice. During migration season it can be helpful to spread out feeders with nectar to help ensure all hummingbirds and their other friends in flight have access to the healthy resources they need to complete their journey.

The best time to put out a hummingbird feeder is by Mid-March thru May. It can be helpful to install feeders by flowers that hummingbirds prefer to feed from or near a garden, though it is not necessary.

Choosing a hummingbird feeder that has the color red will help catch their eye. But if hummingbirds are not already established in the desired area, it could take a few weeks before seeing them in action. Once a hummingbird becomes familiar with a feeder it is possible for them to return to the same place year after year. Hummingbird season will begin to dwindle by September and feeders can be cleaned and stored away until the next year.

All of this can lead to one big, very important question. What type of hummingbird feeder is best?

Two main materials that hummingbird feeders are made out of are plastic and glass. JCs Wildlife offers a third option that can accompany and hold either plastic or glass jars made specifically to hold nectar. Recycled poly lumber is a type of material mostly made out of recycled milk jugs that can last a lifetime! At the end of the day, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, but there are lots of pros, and a few cons, to either of these options.

While plastic can be a bit of a dirty word to those trying to help preserve Earth and all its natural resources, it is still used for several reasons.

Plastic hummingbird feeders provide a more affordable option for those who don’t want to dig too deep in their pocket. It is lightweight and less likely to break or be damaged during unfavorable weather. Plastic feeders can have long lifespans that do not need to be replaced too often, however, they are also known to warp, fade, and crack over time. This is especially true in regions that experience extreme heat and humidity.

If a plastic feeder is not cleaned and maintained properly a few times a week during hummingbird season the sugar can begin to erode the plastic from the inside. If seeking out a plastic hummingbird feeder it is important to look for food safe, BPA-free options. This will help ensure less chemicals from the plastic seep into the nectar overtime, and will be less harmful to hummingbirds over time as well. Plastic hummingbird feeds tend to come mostly in traditional, basic styles and colors (variations of red and clear) with very little design.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, glass can be heavier, more expensive, and fragile compared to its plastic competitors. However, it has its own perks.

Unlike plastic, glass hummingbird feeders can potentially help preserve fresh nectar and does not heat up as quickly internally. Glass will not warp or fade overtime, and as long as it doesn’t break and is cleaned and maintained properly, it may not ever need to be replaced. The sugar will not erode the walls of a glass reservoir and can be easier to clean. Glass is more eco-friendly and can be recycled if desired to retire the feeder or if it becomes damaged and irreplaceable. Glass hummingbird feeders come in a variety of designs, shapes, and colors that can bring style and personality to any personal space.

Saucer feeders are a popular choice of hummingbird feeder because it is easy to fill, clean, and is constructed to help keep bees, wasps, and ants away with built-in ant moats.

Saucer feeders are also well-known to be leak proof because of the dish design. The bottom reservoir that holds the nectar is clear so it is easy to see when it is ready for a refill. Multiple ports provide enough space for multiple hummingbirds to feed at a time.

Saucer feeders check everything off the list to ensure practical, simple, and beautiful hummingbird watching.

The classic feeder design gets an elevated twist in the form of glass.

Simply uncap the lid at the top of the feeder and fill with the preferred nectar of choice. The feed ports mimic flowers that hummingbirds are known to like to visit. The perch provides a comfortable place for the hummingbird to rest while it sips and refreshes on its journey.

Clean and maintain with a brush and some water, and be mindful of unfavorable weather, and this glass feeder is sure to last a lifetime.

Tired of seeing red? Glass feeders are often available in a wider variety of colors, designs, and textures than plastic feeders.

Studies have shown that hummingbirds are also able to register the color purple very well, as well as deep hues of oranges and yellows. If you don’t like red, or just want to switch things up for a bit, try a purple glass feeder like this one!

There is no need to worry about inverting the glass bottle as the top has a wide-mouth opening, top-fill design for mess-free refills! The base is sealed to ensure there are no leaks. The feeding ports are soft and flexible and mimic the flowers that hummingbirds enjoy feeding from in nature. It’s a great option to be pretty and practical all at the same time!

Keep the spirit of the first hummingbird feeders alive by choosing an antique glass bottle inspired by the first commercially available feeder, also known as the “Webster Hanging Feeder”.

There are numerous vintage and antique-like bottle hummingbird feeders that mimic the days of when the hummingbird feeder was first introduced to backyards that are often seen in transparent greens, browns, and colorless clear bottles.

This transparent green glass will not only give your backyard a vintage feel, but it allows a clear, visible view of the nectar level when in use. The feed ports provide just enough hint of red for the hummingbirds to see and enjoy feeding.

Looking for something that will last a lifetime that is mess -free, fuss-free, and worry-free? Look no further than the Double Hanging Nectar DOTs with Poly Lumber Holder and Jars.

Recycled Poly Lumber is fade and weather resistant and will last through many seasons. This material is made mostly out of recycled milk jugs, making it eco-friendly and extremely durable. The color red will attract the hummingbirds to feed from the jars, or Nectar DOTS, that hold nectar.

The lid doubles as the feeding port. Cleaning and refilling is a breeze. Simply lift the jar out of the poly lumber holder, unscrew the lid top, and scrub and refill as needed. An O ring is attached on the top of the poly lumber holder and can easily hang from your favorite pole.

Hummingbird feeders are offered in a variety of styles, designs, and materials. Ultimately, any of these options will provide an enjoyable experience for any thirsty hummingbird. The choice comes down to benefits for each individual personality and lifestyle.

Check out JCs Wildlife for a large selection of hummingbird feeders, nectars, cleaning brushes, and more!