The Stylish Way To Stop Heat From Spoiling Your Hummingbird Feeder

If you have feathered friends who come to feed, but during the summer months, their nectar is getting too hot, you may need to find a way to protect the feeder from the hot temperatures. While there are plenty of ways to keep your hummingbird feeder cool, including placing it in the shade or even taking it down during peak times, it can still be tricky to find a good balance and keep the sun's rays off the hanging station. Rather than taking the feeder down or risking putting it in a place that your hummingbirds might avoid or miss, you can hang a parasol in front of or around it. This will help block the sun and keep the nectar (and your birds) from getting too warm.

It does not take long for the temperature inside your feeder to create an unhealthy environment for the nectar. When exposed to extreme heat and sun for a few hours, your hummingbird food can ferment. It can also grow bacteria that are bad for birds. If the nectar reaches temperatures above 102.2 degrees, the bird's metabolic system can be at serious risk too. This is why many experts and novice bird watchers suggest keeping the feeders in shady or protected areas of your yard. During warmer temps, make sure to change out the nectar every other day, even when it's covered. 

When it comes to setting this up, you've got options. It is important to consider several factors, including where your feeder hangs and the weather. If your feeder is under a patio or awning, is there a post or overhang you can attach the parasol or umbrella to? Securing it directly to the feeder could be tricky, as you do not want the wind to blow the hanging station too much. This is why taking the weather into account is important. If you live in a windy area, the umbrella could create a hectic atmosphere and knock the feeder over. However, if this is not an issue, you just need to find a way to secure the parasol. This could be tying the parasol to a nearby post you add near the feeder with wire or string.

This hack isn't just for warm weather. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or even snow, placing a cover like the parasol over your feeders can protect the birds any time of year so they can feed. Make sure you're opting for a sturdy umbrella when using it for inclement weather, as the weight of snow and rain may be too much for the parasol. If you're only using this trick during warmer months, pick an umbrella with a thick material that will help block the sun and absorb rays.

Placement is extremely important when it comes to this solution because you don't want to confuse or even trap hummingbirds when they come to feed. By adding this new element, you are also in a sense, adding an obstacle, which can confuse them the first few times they navigate it. However, if there is a big enough opening or gap between your umbrella, the feeder, and any walls or partitions, they should be able to use the feeder as normal. If you have more than one hummingbird feeder, this could also help provide a little privacy for each one. 

When it comes to finding a place for your hummingbird feeder, you want to avoid putting it too close to windows or anywhere that could expose the birds. Shoot for a more private part of your garden that still offers somewhere to hang the parasol or umbrella. You may need to adjust the position of the umbrella throughout the day, so use rope or string that will allow you to do this. Alternatively, consider creating a standalone feeder with an umbrella attached to the top rather than angled and secured to an overhang or tree.