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Tom's Guide
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
How to feed hummingbirds the right way, according to experts
There's something so exquisite about hummingbirds that makes them a joy to behold when you spot them in your yard. It's a treat to take in this tiny bird's beauty and unique ability to fly backward and hoover mid-air. Apart from bringing us joy, they make terrific pollinators and eat a surprising amount of insects for their small size. And with all the energy they exert with their acrobatics, they need to consume a calorie-rich diet to help them go about their good work. To help you discover how to feed hummingbirds the right way, I've called on the experts for their top tips and advice. Hummingbirds are the smallest of all birds, with the bee hummingbird (native to Cuba) being the baby of the pack, measuring 2.2 inches long, and weighing a tiny 1.95g. In contrast, according to Birds and Blooms, the blue-throated hummingbird is almost the size of a sparrow and is the largest breeding hummingbird found in the U.S. "Hummingbirds are incredible to watch with their tiny bodies able to hover, fly backward, and even upside down, as well as showing incredible behaviors like intense territoriality and intricate courtship displays," says Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist at FeatherSnap. "It's no wonder we're interested in having them in our backyards."Hummingbirds also perform many beneficial tasks in our yards "by acting as pollinators to our nectar-producing flowering plants, and snacking on small insects that are often considered pests, like aphids, mosquitos, and fruit flies, among others," Kincaid adds. While hummingbirds play their part in nature, Kincaid says we can too. "Hovering and flying as fast as hummingbirds do — ruby-throated hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times per second on average, and some species move at up to 70 per second — takes a lot of energy, so food is an incredibly important resource for them."Hummingbirds love to feed from tubular flowers, so planting bee balms, coral honeysuckle, and cardinal flowers in your yard are perfect choices. And Kincaid also says they're "particularly attracted to red tubular flowers, which may have coevolved with them. They're also attracted to orange and pink, but will also forage on flowers of other colors from time to time." Apart from relying on native resources, you can also support hummingbirds by providing food. Kincaids says: "Feeders filled with sugar water provide a quick burst of energy when native nectar sources are low, either because they've consumed them all or they're migrating.' But she warns, to "never use honey, syrups, artificial sweeteners, or food colorings, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Dan DeBaun, bird blogger at Dan's Bird Bites, says it's easy to make hummingbird nectar at home. "Mix one part table sugar with four parts water. For example, mix 1/4 a cup of sugar with one cup of water." You'll need to boil the water before adding and dissolving the sugar, and DeBaun also recommends only using table sugar for the nectar. Kincaid advises to "make sure you bring the nectar to room temperature before filling your feeder and store any that doesn't go into your feeder right away in the refrigerator for up to a week." But once you start to feed hummingbirds in your yard, don't forget to refill and clean your feeder, with Kincaid advising to clean and refill your feeder every 1-2 days when the temperatures are warm. "Hummingbird nectar spoils quickly, and ingesting moldy, spoiled, or fermented nectar can also be harmful to your hummingbirds," she says, but "be aware that sugar syrup will also attract other birds, like orioles and woodpeckers, [though] also will attract pests like ants and bees." This hummingbird feeder takes the style of a vintage bottle with a brushed copper base, with four decorative feeding ports. It can accommodate multiple hummingbirds in one go, and the bottle can be easily removed from the base for cleaning. It will hold up to 10oz of nectar. There are plenty of hummingbird feeders on the market, but Kincaid recommends using one with a nectar reservoir that flows down into multiple feeding pots, as "it makes it easy to see how much nectar is left, that it's still clear, and that no pests have made it into the reservoir." "Hummingbirds find their food by sight, so it may take them some time to find your feeder and then a little more time to decide it's a safe spot to stop for a snack," says Kincaid. "I like to put my hummingbird feeder near flowers and a few feet away from potential shelter, like a tree, bush or brush pile. This gives them more security as they visit for a nectar break," says DeBaun. Therefore, a shady, open area near flowering plants, especially tubular varieties, will be perfect. But your feeder also needs to be easy for you to remove, clean, and refill, so make sure it's at a reachable height without having to resort to using a ladder. Kincaid also explains that hummingbirds can be territorial, especially around breeding season, and suggests hanging several feeders if your yard has the capacity.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
FeatherSnap's New Smart Hummingbird Feeder Captures the Beauty of Hummingbirds on Your Phone
New model offers a high-tech window into the world of hummingbirds DECORAH, Iowa, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FeatherSnap, the leader in smart bird feeders, is proud to announce its latest innovation, the Hummingbird Feeder. Created to help users experience the beauty of nature's most fascinating birds, this thoughtfully designed feeder combines a solar-powered, motion-activated camera, three nectar ports, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. It captures crisp HD photos and real-time video, making it easy to enjoy close-up hummingbird moments—right from the palm of your hand. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: The FeatherSnap Hummingbird Feeder blends state-of-the-art camera technology with ornithologist-trained AI bird identification to offer a deeply engaging experience for bird lovers. The feeder captures crisp, high-resolution photos and videos of hummingbirds, with a wide field of view that gives users an up-close look at all the action. Integrated solar panels keep the camera's USB-C battery powered without the need for external attachments, and the feeder is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring reliability and long-lasting performance. The FeatherSnap Hummingbird Feeder has a generous 1L capacity for nectar with a built-in ant moat to keep unwanted insects at bay. The Hummingbird Feeder pairs with the FeatherSnap app, enhancing the birding experience with a range of premium features designed to inform, entertain, and delight bird lovers everywhere. Users can access AI-powered bird identification, organize images in a personalized Bird Book, and track visits with Perch, a new feature that highlights milestones and delivers a weekly summary of feathered guests. With live feeds that include audio and a personal gallery of curated images and videos, the FeatherSnap app offers an immersive birdwatching experience from anywhere in the world. "Hummingbirds are both beautiful and agile, and it's incredibly special to see them up close. We're excited to share that experience through our cutting-edge smart feeder, which lets people observe hummingbirds in a captivating new way," says Cary Kessenich, FeatherSnap's Director of Brand Marketing. "The FeatherSnap Hummingbird Feeder, paired with our innovative app, transforms birdwatching into an interactive experience that's both educational and entertaining. With its effortless setup and user-friendly design, it's the ultimate gift for nature lovers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys discovering the beauty of the outdoors right in their own backyard!" The FeatherSnap Hummingbird Feeder is available now for $179.99 on FeatherSnap's website, Amazon, and at select retailers nationwide. The FeatherSnap app is available in the Apple and Google Play app stores. For access to premium features, users can opt in to a subscription plan for $6.99 per month or $59.99 annually. More information and imagery for the FeatherSnap Hummingbird Feeder can be found in the press kit. About FeatherSnapFeatherSnap revolutionizes birdwatching, seamlessly connecting users to nature through Wi-Fi-enabled smart bird feeders. As leaders in the camera industry, we deliver unrivaled quality and user-friendly experiences. Simplicity is at the core of our design philosophy, making our feeders easy to use, maintain, and pair with no need for technical expertise. Engage effortlessly with our smart bird feeders through the FeatherSnap mobile app, featuring unique storage and identification features like Bird Book and expert-trained AI models. FeatherSnap offers a blend of technology and nature, creating moments of joy, excitement, and endless fascination in the world of birdwatching. For more information, visit View original content: SOURCE FeatherSnap Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tactacam Ranks #25 on Inc.'s List of the Midwest's Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2025
DECORAH, Iowa, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tactacam, the leader in innovative outdoor camera technology, announced today its No. 25 rank on the fifth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Midwest. An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Regionals showcase the most successful independent small businesses within each region. "As we've grown over the past decade, our mission at Tactacam remains unchanged: to enrich the way our customers experience the outdoors through advanced technology," said Jeff Peel, CEO and Founder of Tactacam. "Our success is defined by our people, who share a passion for excellence and creating game-changing products, and I could not be prouder of this team's accomplishments." In 2024, Tactacam's emerging success earned recognition on the annual Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies and on Inc.'s Best in Business list. Tactacam continues its growth trajectory with more than 500 employees and a community of 1.5 million customers using over 2 million cameras globally across its brand portfolio of REVEAL, Defend, and FeatherSnap cameras. The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Midwest. Between 2021 and 2023, these 139 private companies had a median growth rate of 86 percent; by 2023, they had also added 7,977 jobs and $13.2 billion to the region's economy. "The honorees on this year's Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond," said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. "This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country." View the complete 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest list and methodology here. About Tactacam Since 2013, Tactacam, a U.S.-based technology pioneer, has enriched outdoor pursuits by redefining the landscape of cellular camera technology. Tactacam integrates cutting-edge research, app development, and proprietary digital technology to offer future-proof solutions that are useful, affordable, and innovative. The continued innovation of its growing portfolio of products, including REVEAL X 3.0 and Pro 3.0, Defend, and FeatherSnap, showcase Tactacam's commitment to user-friendly applications. Tactacam prioritizes customer support above all and empowers its customers to excel in their outdoor passions. Learn more at About Inc. Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Tactacam
