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Here is a perfect gift for someone you know who already enjoys hummingbirds in their garden, or for someone who would like to attract hummers to their yard. If you like hummingbirds and don't already have this, get one for yourself, too... they're inexpensive and so much fun! A hummingbird window feeder.
Last year was the first time I attempted to attract hummingbirds to my garden by deliberately planting nectar plants and hanging hummingbird feeders. While I was researching the various types of hummingbird feeders available, I came across some that attach to the outside of a window with suction cups. I was fascinated, but wondered if the little birds would really come that close to the house. Having no real knowledge of them at the time, but a burning desire to get to know them, I decided to purchase several feeders.
I already had a bottle-type feeder in my closet that I had purchased just after we bought our house in anticipation of having a hummingbird garden at some point. It had been sitting there for 3 years and I almost forgot about it. As I surfed the web looking at the various feeders available and asking questions of those more knowledgeable, I decided to purchase a HummZinger by Aspects. I got the 12 ounce model. There is a 16 ounce size available, but as I was planning on more than one feeder I didn't think I needed the extra volume. As a postscript, the HummZinger turned out to be very easy to clean and the hummers liked it very much. But they liked the Opus bottle feeder, too. It was a little more trouble to clean, but the glass bottle can be put in the dishwasher.
Window Feeders
Now it was time to shop for a window feeder. It turned out there were lots of choices, mostly in the $10 to $20 range. An internet search for 'hummingbird window feeder' will turn up a whole list of possibilities for you. I'm an internet shopper, but you can very likely find one at a local retailer also. Bird feeders are carried at pet stores, feed stores, garden centers, large discount department stores and many others.
I decided to buy a Heritage Farms saucer-type window feeder, mostly because it resembled the highly recommended HummZinger. It retails for around $15. This one is also easy to clean and fill. It lifts off the base that attaches to the window. Then you simply unscrew the top, wash the top and bottom, refill and reassemble. You should always clean the feeding ports with a pipecleaner or one of the little brushes made for this purpose and wash the feeder in hot water with no soap. They should be cleaned and refilled frequently, especially in hot weather, to keep the nectar from spoiling and mold from forming. Here's a good link with a lot of information about feeders and maintenance including cleaning.
In May, I hung my HummZinger on a pole near my pool and within sight of the great room window. There was also a nyjer feeder for finches on that pole. I bought a large hanging pot of Fuschia 'Blue Eyes' to further entice the little flying jewels and hung that on the same pole. Fuschia is a favorite nectar plant of hummingbirds. The bottle feeder went on another pole at the other end of the house. Ever the optimist, I hoped to have enough hummers that there would be territory issues. My reading suggested placing multiple feeders out of sight of one another. I wanted the 'main' feeder to be the one we could see from our great room because that is where we spend most of our time. Logically then, I thought, I put the window feeder on the great room window. Of course, this was totally ignoring the territory issue that I planned for with the other feeder. Logic, schmogic, I wanted to be able to see them!
The fuchsia did its job. On July 21st, we were relaxing in our pool and saw our first hummer, feeding from the fuchsia. After that there were several different individuals, probably 3 or 4, frequenting both the feeders and the flowers. On close observation, we felt that at least 2 of them were juveniles. They came to the feeders at various times of day, but 7 p.m. was regular enough that you could almost set the clock by it. All the feeders were used, but, selfishly, I wanted them at the window feeder. One day when the bottle feeder needed refilling, I cleaned it but didn't put it back out. Kind of a dirty trick on my new little friends, but it sure did increase the traffic at the window feeder.
Photography
With the 7 p.m. observation in mind, I could be ready with my camera, sitting on a chair just inside the window.
I learned several things:
keep the window clean
don't forget to keep the flash turned off
use a sport or fast action setting
dirty window
Recommendations
I really liked the Heritage Farms window feeder. All the hummingbirds seem to require is that you keep the feeder filled, regardless of the brand or style. This is now my second year and the funny little birds will go around the house to my patio door, hover and look in if the feeders go dry. They know that's where I emerge with the filled feeders. Of course, I try not to let that happen too often. I don't want my friends to move on to 'sweeter pastures'. The only drawback I saw was that the suction cups block some of the view of the birds, particularly when you are trying to take photos. So next season I will buy one with the suction cups below the section with the feeding ports. There are several in the illustrations of the window feeders above. This feeder will be kept and used on another window. It's much too well-designed to discard.
Our friends were truly amazed when they visited and were able to see the hummingbirds feeding or resting right at the window. Many of them had never seen a hummer at all, never mind up close and personal. Imagine the delight on the face of a child! Any amateur birder or nature lover on your list would be pleased to open this gift.
I'm a 'dabble' gardener. Been gardening for over 40 years. I will plant anything that will grow for me and some things that won't, indoors or out. Outdoors I have theme gardens: roses, butterfly/hummingbird, heathers/dwarf conifers, a rock garden (in progress) and a new English-style cottage garden with an herb garden at it's 'heart'. Indoors I try to concentrate on orchids, African violets, anything that will flower or has lots of color and unusual houseplants. I try to stay organic and keep chemicals to a bare minimum. My non-gardening interests include quilting, counted cross-stitch and watercolor painting. I am a proud grandma and before my recent retirement, I was a clinical systems analyst (computer geek) for 24 years.
Posted by littlemick (from Maryville, TN) on December 5, 2007 at 5:07 PM:
Jan, I must insist that you add nature Photogropher to your list of accomplishments. Your photos are always great and so enjoyable. I love hummers too and have been planting to attract them for years. Do you grow Cleome ? They love it. Mick
...
Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 5, 2007 at 6:32 PM:
Mick, thanks so much for the wonderful compliment! I haven't grown cleome, but I got seeds for both pink & purple in a seed trade, so I plan on having some this year. I'm glad to hear they love it.
Hope your holiday plans are coming together and you are getting your shopping done.
jan
...
Posted by littlemick (from Maryville, TN) on December 7, 2007 at 2:29 AM:
Oh Thanks, I'm doing remarkably well this year. I retired as a bookstore manager 4 years ago due to pretty severe and irreversible vision problems and so now I can't drive but I have plenty of time to devote to my 3 grandaughters and my garden. And I just learned I have another grandchild on the way, the first for my son Robert & his wife Joy. I can see well enough close up to shop online and I am nearly done. I even have everything wrapped. I will get a tree Tuesday night when the girls are here. It is supposed to be very warm here this weekend , so I will go gather greenery. Hope your holiday plans are going well. Snow?
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Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 7, 2007 at 11:49 AM:
We have snow on the ground now. Who knows what Dec 25th will bring? Enjoy your granddaughters and best wishes with the new grandchild-to-be!
...
Subject: feeders
Posted by dun1kirk (from Berkeley, CA) on December 3, 2007 at 1:33 PM:
I admit, I have not thoroughly looked at all sites. Taking a shortcut and asking you where to purchase the Heritage Farms suction feeder.
Thanks
...
Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 4:37 PM:
You can buy it directly from Heritage Farms but they are out of stock. Here's another option:
Posted by pixie62560 (from South China, ME) on December 3, 2007 at 7:23 AM:
Great article Jan! I really like the variety of feeders and your tips. I've been looking at the window birdfeeders all fall wondering too if the birds would come to it. Thank you for answering that question.
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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 8:45 AM:
Great tips Jan! Thanks. I want to try a window feeder. My cat will probably go nuts!
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Posted by podster (from Deep East Texas, TX) on December 3, 2007 at 9:26 AM:
Ah, you are baiting me! I have fed hummers for years from March thru October and never thought of a window feeder. Great tips for a fun idea. But keep my windows clean? Grrr...
I also loved your bio Ms Jan. How diverse. Thanks for an entertaining article. pod
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Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on December 3, 2007 at 10:24 AM:
Well that's our Jan!!
What a delightful article my friend!! You know I share your love for these little guys. I recently bought a feeder that attaches to the window, then I got it home and realized it was for seed, sheesh! My gf at Wild Bird Center has them but they are way $$$. I will definitely look at the sites you listed over the winter and get a couple for next year.
Thanks for all the great information!
debnes
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Posted by debilu (from Fingerlakes Region, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 10:26 AM:
Great article Jan, I may get one, but no photos as I don't do windows.
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Posted by Sofonisba (from Putnam County, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 10:26 AM:
WooHoo! Nice article Jan!!
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Posted by lorettamar (from Southold, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 10:27 AM:
Jan,
I really enjoyed your article. It's so informative and the photos are great.
Loretta
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Posted by AYankeeCat (from Fairfield County, CT) on December 3, 2007 at 10:59 AM:
Wonderful article! I bet Wallingford and HollyCat would like a window hummingbird feeder for Christmas!
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Posted by GardenGuyKin (from Willamette Valley, OR) on December 3, 2007 at 11:03 AM:
Hi Jan,
I so enjoyed your article. Great photos and your writing just sang with joy about our little friends.
I wont be getting any window feeders because I have cats and it would be a disaster. I think you know what
I mean!! LOL
I'm so fortunate where I live I have them year round. Here is a photo of a little guy I got a shot of over the weekend.
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
My favorite feeder is the one you pictured. [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] so easy to use and clean. The birds love it also.
Thanks for the great article
-Kin
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Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on December 3, 2007 at 2:23 PM:
Super cool article and the photos!! This was just great :)
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Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 3, 2007 at 3:50 PM:
Well, guys, sure is nice to have friends ;0) thanks for all the very kind comments.
Kin, that hummer pic is just wonderful...like you could reach out and touch the feathers. though I love our ruby-throats, it would be nice to have some of the variety you have out west.
I can't imagine having cats with a window feeder. It would either be terribly entertaining or just terrible.
...
Posted by bigcityal (from Menasha, WI) on December 3, 2007 at 9:36 PM:
Good article Jan.
I haven't given up on hummers, but I just don't think they nest near here.
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Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 4, 2007 at 7:49 AM:
Al, maybe not. living in the BIG city and all. but my DDIL thought she could never get them to come to her garden, and she walked out her front door and saw one feeding on a basket of petunias. so you never know.
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Posted by Dave47 (from Southern, CT) on December 8, 2007 at 10:09 AM:
Jan, Great job. I think I'll give that a shot.
...
Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on December 8, 2007 at 10:15 AM:
Dave, not much to lose. It doesn't cost much and the rewards are amazing!
I already had a bottle-type feeder in my closet that I had purchased just after we bought our house in anticipation of having a hummingbird garden at some point. It had been sitting there for 3 years and I almost forgot about it. As I surfed the web looking at the various feeders available and asking questions of 
I decided to buy a Heritage Farms saucer-type window feeder, mostly because it resembled the highly recommended HummZinger. It retails for around $15. This one is also easy to clean and fill. It lifts off the base that attaches to the window. Then you simply unscrew the top, wash the top and bottom, refill and reassemble. You should always clean the feeding ports with a pipecleaner or one of the little brushes made for this purpose and wash the feeder in hot water with no soap. They should be cleaned and refilled frequently, especially in hot weather, to keep the nectar from spoiling and mold from forming. Here's a good 
In May, I hung my HummZinger on a pole near my pool and within sight of the great room window. There was also a nyjer feeder for finches on that pole. I bought a large hanging pot of Fuschia 'Blue Eyes' to further entice the little flying jewels and hung that on the same pole. Fuschia is a favorite nectar plant of hummingbirds. The bottle feeder went on another pole at the other end of the house. Ever the optimist, I hoped to have enough hummers that there would be territory issues. My reading suggested placing multiple feeders out of sight of one another. I wanted the 'main' feeder to be the one we could see from our great room because that is where we spend most of our time. Logically then, I thought, I put the window feeder on the great room window. Of course, this was totally ignoring the territory issue that I planned for with the other feeder. Logic, schmogic, I wanted to be able to see them!
The fuchsia did its job. On July 21st, we were relaxing in our pool and saw our first hummer, feeding from the fuchsia. After that there were several different individuals, probably 3 or 4, frequenting both the feeders and the flowers. On close observation, we felt that at least 2 of them were juveniles. They came to the feeders at various times of day, but 7 p.m. was regular enough that you could almost set the clock by it. All the feeders were used, but, selfishly, I wanted them at the window feeder. One day when the bottle feeder needed refilling, I cleaned it but didn't put it back out. Kind of a dirty trick on my new little friends, but it sure did increase the traffic at the window feeder. 
