The Perfect Place For A Hummingbird Swing In Your Yard

Hummingbirds are one of the most popular avian species throughout the United States for a variety of reasons. Not only do people enjoy watching them zip around, hummingbirds also are great pollinators that can benefit landscaping and garden plants. They are also great for insect control, as they prey on ants, mosquitoes, gnats, and a variety of other pests. As a result, many backyard birders closely monitor the migration of these diminutive birds on Hummingbird Central, trying to pick the best time to put out their hummingbird feeder. When trying to create a hummingbird-welcoming environment, however, they should also consider the perfect place for a hummingbird swing.

Although they may appear gimmicky at first glance, swings are actually very beneficial to hummingbirds. They provide an ideal resting spot as well as a place to sit and wait for an opening at a nectar feeder. As a bonus, they provide a great opportunity to get photos of hummingbirds. However, in order to maximize their effectiveness, it is important to hang hummingbird swings in the proper place.

There are a wide variety of hummingbird swings on the market. While some are just wire shapes, but most of the better models, such as the Home-X Hummingbird Swing, incorporate a wooden dowel perch, which is easier for the birds to hang on than thin metal wire. Additionally, there are various shapes, ranging from circles to houses, as well as decorative models, like the Perky-Pet Copper Beaded Swing. The key is finding one that is durable and fits both your backyard style and budget.

While hummingbirds will use swings, they are not very effective as a stand-alone attraction. Rather, once you choose a hummingbird swing, it is important to hang it in an area where it is practical and convenient for the birds to use it. Once a swing is chosen, you should place it a foot or so away from a food or water source. If your feeder is in a tree with a myriad of branches, there is really no need for a swing. However, if there are limited branches for birds to perch on, hanging a swing or swings near the feeder will give them a convenient spot to perch.

If you have added a water feature to attract hummingbirds, you can place a swing on a tree near it as well, as birds will take turns using the water feature. It is also handy to place a swing near plants that attract hummingbirds. If there are no trees or suitable branches near these features, you can always utilize a shepherd's hook to hang the swing.