No, I haven’t just revealed the secret name of Microsoft’s next version of the Windows operating system (to the best of my knowledge, it won’t be called Hummingbird). The title of this post refers to the windows you cover with blinds or curtains when you don’t want your neighbors to see you walking around your home in your boxer shorts. When it comes to operating a hummingbird feeding station, placement is often a key concern. Several artificial hummingbird feeders allow for attachment to or near windows to facilitate watching these daring little creatures up close as they feed. But is that risky?
I suspect I’m not the only one to have heard a thud outside my window and, on inspection, discovered the heartbreaking sight of an injured or dying bird on the ground. Birds of all kinds can and do fly into windows from time to time. Hummingbirds are no different but the concern here is generally inflated. Decorative features, the way light plays on glass, curtains and blinds all serve to, more often than not, make windows stand out as an impenetrable feature. It also helps that your visiting hummingbirds are going to be more interested in flying TO your hummingbird feeder rather than PAST it at breakneck speeds.
The greater risk is not the lone hummingbird approaching a hummingbird feeder placed by a window. Rather, it is the territorial and dominant nature of these little devils that tends to get them in trouble. A single hummingbird can become very possessive of your feeder. Multiple hummingbirds feeding from the same feeder may dispute ownership. In its frenetic efforts to drive off competition, it might well drive its opposition or itself into your window. But there are a few simple things you can do to help minimize the odds of that happening.
Consider placing multiple feeders throughout your property. Ensure they are out of sight of each other so that one selfish bird doesn’t assume he can dominate them all. The four sides of your home may work well with ample coverage provided by the structure itself.
If you want a prime viewing spot with a feeder right outside your window, consider adding blinds to the window. Venetian style blinds can be tilted open to allow you a view of the feeding animals but provide enough of a visual barrier to deter birds from intentionally or unintentionally trying to enter your house at warp speed.
Decorative features such as glass decorations will add a touch of flair to your window but also serve as a visual queue to your birds. You could also consider subtle adhesive tinting. Sold in rolls like plastic food wrap, these can make your windows stand out as an obstacle. Speaking of plastic food wrap, colored versions of this material can also serve to help your window stand out while still providing you an unobstructed view of your hummingbird feeding station. Finally, a screen outside your window is generally visible enough to prevent birds from flying into your window. Even if they overlook it, it’s a comparatively soft impact.
Given that there are some practical solutions at hand to reduce the risk of injuring your visiting hummingbirds, I don’t see any real reason to avoid placing your feeder at or near your windows. Just apply a bit of common sense or some creative defensive measures and your hummingbird feeding efforts should be devoid of any windows related tragedies.
But speaking of window mounted hummingbird feeders, if you’re looking for one, take a peek at the Droll Yankees Window Mounted Hummingbird Feeder with Nectar Guard
