If you’re a first-timer and you’re probably wondering how long does it take for hummingbirds to find a feeder, we will discuss this here.
Generally, what we birders often do to keep hummingbirds coming back to our yard is by hanging hummingbird feeders. This has always been one good way of attracting these iridescent birds.
When hummingbird season approaches, hummingbird enthusiast hangs their feeder and waits for these charming birds to come feed. But when hummingbirds take long to visit or just a few hummers come to visit, this may cause for concern to birders.
Therefore, some birders may begin to wonder how long does it take for hummingbirds to find a feeder? Or how long does it take to attract hummingbirds? In this article, we will be looking into your troubling questions and offer a solution to any issues that you may have about this. So, let’s begin.
How Long Does It Take For Hummingbirds To Find Or Come To A Feeder?
So the question is how long before hummingbirds come to the feeder? Normally, the period it takes for hummingbirds to find a feeder depends.
It can take just a few days for hummers to locate your feeders. It may as well take weeks or months, for hummingbirds to find your feeder in your yard and visit regularly. It may even take years.
However, there are things you can do to increase the chances of these birds visiting your yard as soon as they migrate or arrive during their season.
So, once you have the right knowledge on how to properly attract hummingbirds by hanging your feeders, you can see more hummingbirds visiting your vicinity as soon as you hang the feeders.
So, below are ways you can entice hummingbirds to your yard.
How To Attract Hummingbirds?
Enticing hummingbirds is more than just hanging hummingbird feeders outside your yard and waiting for these birds to fly by and feed.
Hanging feeders is one big responsibility. It comes with the responsibility of refilling it at the appropriate times, cleaning it to prevent mold and bacteria, and so on. It also comes with the responsibility of making sure you attract enough hummers to your yard.
But how exactly can one attract these sweet birds to our yard and how long does it take to attract hummingbirds? We will be sharing with you tips on how to lure these charming shimmering birds to your yard so you can enjoy more of their visits.
1. Hang Quality Nectar Feeder
One way to improve hummingbird’s visit to your yard is to ensure you hang quality nectar feeder. Nectar is the major source of hummingbirds’ food. Therefore, by providing them with fresh and reliable nectar solutions, they will always come back for more.
2. Place Hummingbird’s Feeders In Strategic Positions
Be strategic when it comes to positioning your hummingbird’s feeder and the best place to hang these feeders. One easy way is to hang feeders close to flowers that hummingbirds will visit naturally.
3. Decorate Your Garden With Bright Colors
Hummingbirds don’t have a sense of smell. But they have great sight and they are attracted to bright colors. One popular colors hummingbird are known to be attracted to is red. They can also be attracted by other bright colors such as orange, pink, yellow, and so on.
The good thing is that most hummingbird feeders are usually decorated with red or other bright colors. You can as well tie some red ribbon on your feeders or around your feeders. This will assist hummingbirds to detect or locate your feeders.
4. Plant Flowers That Will Attract Hummers
Plant high nectar-producing flowers and bright colored flowers that hummingbirds love naturally in your garden. There are different flower varieties to select for your garden.
The more brightly colored and high nectar-filling flowers you have in your yard, the higher the chances of hummingbirds coming to visit your yard.
5. Perching Spots
Hummingbirds tend to perch most times. Once they feed multiple times and flap their wings so fast, they will need to take a break. They take a break by perching. Therefore, we encourage you to install a perching spot for hummingbirds to feel comfortable while they go on with their vigorous activities.
Hummingbirds can also sleep in these perching spots.
Read more about Shade Plants For Butterflies And Hummingbirds
Reasons Hummingbirds May Not Visit Your Feeders
Hummingbirds may refuse to visit your feeders for some reason. And this will have you wondering how long hummingbirds take to find a feeder. So, it’s important you know some of these reasons so you can adjust appropriately to get good results.
Below are some reasons why hummingbirds may not be coming to visit your yard:
- Sometimes you may not have hummingbirds visit because it’s not their season. This is why you should be aware of hummingbird season in your zone. But generally, hummingbird season is known to be around spring and the exact period can vary from region to region.
- Another reason you may not be getting a good hummingbird visit is because your feeders may be in the wrong location. Ensure you hang your feeders in the right spot where hummingbirds can easily locate them.
- Unclean feeders that have mold or the nectar solution has fermented may discourage hummingbirds to visit your yard. Usually, the sun is one factor that predisposes hummingbird feeders to ferment or spoil quickly. So always place your feeders in a shaded spot. Also, make sure you maintain a clean feeder and always refresh or refill them at the right time.
- If you have too many bees or ants invasion your feeders, hummingbirds may refuse to come close to your yard.
Conclusion On How Long Does It Take For Hummingbirds To Find A Feeder
How long hummingbirds take to find a feeder can vary. It may take just a few days or a few weeks for them to locate your feeders. It may also take longer like months before the hummingbird finds your feeder.
But there are some things you can do to increase the chances of hummingbirds locating your feeders easily and we have listed some for you.