Hummingbirds are some of the most charming and energetic birds you can attract to your garden. In the United States, you can find around 15 different types of hummingbirds living here year-round, plus nine more species that might visit from time to time.1
If you want to enjoy these delightful creatures up close, making a hummingbird feeder is a simple and fun project. Using an old wine bottle, you can create a feeder that will attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
Not only will this provide them with a tasty treat, but it will also give you the joy of watching them flutter and sip right outside your window.
How to Make a DIY Hummingbird Using a Wine Bottle
Making your own hummingbird feeder is easy and fun with just a few supplies. Here’s a simple guide to help you:
What You Need
- A clean, empty wine bottle
- A stopper with a feeder tube (available on Amazon or Walmart)
- A red flower or decoration (to attract hummingbirds)
- Scissors
- Wire (24-gauge copper coil from Michaels) (ref) or sisal twine (from Dollar Tree)(ref)
- Sugar water
Steps
- Get Your Supplies: Gather a clean, empty wine bottle and a stopper with a feeder tube. You can usually find the stopper at Walmart or Amazon. Choose a red flower to attach to the end, as red attracts hummingbirds. You’ll also need scissors, wire (or twine), and sugar water.
- Prepare the Bottle: Fill the wine bottle with sugar water. The sugar water should be mixed with 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Wrap the Wire: Take the wire and fold it in half. Wrap it tightly around the neck of the wine bottle. Make sure it’s secure so the bottle won’t slip or fall. If you prefer, you can use natural sisal twine instead of wire. Wrap it around the bottle in the same way.
- Secure the Wire or Twine: Once wrapped, twist and tuck the ends of the wire or twine to keep it in place. Make sure it’s tightly secured.
- Attach the Feeder Tube: Insert the stopper with the feeder tube into the top of the bottle. Ensure it fits snugly and doesn’t leak.
- Hang the Feeder: Choose a spot in your garden or yard to hang the feeder. A place where you can easily see it and where hummingbirds are likely to visit is ideal.
Now, you’re all set to enjoy watching hummingbirds visit your new feeder!
Why Attract Hummingbirds to Your Feeder
Attracting hummingbirds to your feeder can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Here’s why you might want to set up a feeder and how it benefits both you and the birds:
1. Enjoy Nature Up Close
Hummingbirds are fascinating to watch. They’re tiny, fast, and colorful, with their vibrant feathers and rapid wingbeats. Setting up a feeder lets you observe these beautiful creatures up close right in your own yard.
It can be a fun and educational experience for both adults and kids.
2. Help Local Wildlife
Hummingbirds play an important role in nature. They help pollinate flowers by transferring pollen from one bloom to another while they feed on nectar.
By providing a feeder, you’re supporting their role in the ecosystem and helping them find food, especially when natural sources are scarce.
3. Provide a Food Source
In some areas, natural nectar sources may not be available year-round. By offering a feeder, you ensure that hummingbirds have a reliable food supply, particularly during migration periods or in times of food scarcity.
4. Create a Beautiful Yard
A hummingbird feeder can add charm to your garden or patio. Many feeders come in decorative designs, adding a splash of color to your outdoor space.
Plus, the sight of hummingbirds visiting your feeder can make your garden a more lively and enjoyable place.
5. Educational Opportunity
If you have children or are interested in learning more about wildlife, a hummingbird feeder offers a chance to learn about these amazing birds. You can observe their feeding habits, migration patterns, and interactions with other birds, all of which can be educational and inspiring.
By using simple materials and following a few easy steps, you can provide a special treat for the hummingbirds that visit your yard.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.