You don't have to spend a lot of money on a fancy hummingbird feeder. In this simple project you can make a small feeder that's suitable to place in planters on your balcony, patio or deck. |
| |
 |
The small, simple feeder is made of things you'd probably throw out or recycle and can be made in no time at all. |
|
| | |
|
|
|
You'll need an old lid from a spray can, as shown on the left. This one's from a Pam cooking spray can, but you can use others such as from a shaving cream can. Red is preferable, but other colours can also be used. You'll also need one of these plastic flower inserts. They are purchased to replace broken ones in hummingbird feeders and you'll be able to find them at bird supply shops, dollar stores or where hummingbird feeders and food are sold |
| | |
 |
Here a red shaving foam spray can lid is used. Drill a hole big enough for the plastic flower to be pushed in. A tight fit is essential. The shape of the underside of these flowers is made to grip the sides of the hole, so be sure to push the lid firming down from the inside to be certain the flower sits snuggly. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
A small preserve jar rescued from the recyclables will be the reservoir of the water and sugar mix. One that the lid fits tightly would be perfect. To hold the jar in place in a planter or flower box, you can add a holder. This can be a simple flat stirring stick attached by a couple of strips of electrician's tape or something similar. |
| | |
 |
Fill the jar with a sugar and water mix. We use 1 part sugar to 3 parts of water. Dissolve the sugar in the water and keep the extra in the fridge.
Pop the lid on and place the feeder in a
planter or flower pot. |
| | |
 |
You can experiment a bit. Try pushing the feeder into a pot near some flowers that will attract hummingbirds. |
| | |
 |
An Anna's Hummingbird is captured on camera trying out the new feeder! |
|
| |
|
|
|
