Recycled Glass Hummingbird Feeder

by autumnacosta04 in Outside > Backyard

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Recycled Glass Hummingbird Feeder

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Hi! Welcome to my Instructable!

Hummingbirds are probably my favorite type of bird. I love how they always seem so energetic, as if they had just drank an entire bottle of coffee concentrate. They are very common this time of year in Missouri, and will visit your yard often if you have a feeder. We have a feeder, but we always see the hummingbirds chasing each other away. They seem to want all of the nectar for themselves. So, I decided to make it easier for everyone to get their fill by making another one out of some glass bottles I found in my recycling bin.

Let's get started!

Supplies

For this project you will need:

  • Recycled Glass Bottle with Lid
  • Recycled Glass Jar with Lid (you want a lid with an insert, like a mason jar lid)
  • Paint pens/Sharpies (optional
  • Plastic (also from the recycling bin)
  • String
  • Knife

Decorating the Glass

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If desired, start by using your sharpies or paint pens to draw flowers on your bottle and jar. This will attract the hummingbirds. Hummingbirds like the color red, so you may want to keep that in mind.

Cutting the Plastic Insert

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Trace the lid insert onto your plastic. Use a knife or sharp object to cut it out. Once completed, trace the bottle's opening and cut a hole big enough to slip onto the neck. The last step for the insert is to poke holes for the hummingbirds to drink out of.

The Bottle Lid

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Now drill a hole in the bottle's lid. I used a knife to do this. You want to make it plenty big so the nectar can pass through easily.

Assembly

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Here is how you assemble the feeder:

1. Slip insert into lid

2. Slip lid with insert onto bottle

3. Add string if desired (see next step)

4. Screw on bottle lid

5. Screw on jar That's it!

The String

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You don't need to use string if you don't want to. You could experiment with wire or even leave it as a stand alone feeder. It's totally up to you. If you do want to use string, tie three pieces of string onto the lid like so: (see above pics)

Fill and Finished!!!

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Here is the recipe for Hummingbird Nectar:

Combine 1 part sugar to 2 parts water on stove. Stir until dissolved, then let cool.

Once cooled, the nectar is ready to be put into your feeder. I recommend using a funnel! Now your hummingbird feeder is ready to enjoy! I would suggest placing/hanging it near a window so you can watch the birds eat. Thanks for reading this Instructable! If you liked it, don't forget to vote for it in the glass contest :)