DIY A Feeder Hummingbirds Will Love With A Wine Bottle Trick

Hummingbirds are one of the natural beauties of this world, and the United States is lucky to be home to 15 unique species. These tiny birds need a mix of flower nectar and insects to sustain themselves. Many people hang feeders filled with sugar water to help supply carbohydrates and to bring the charm of hummingbirds to the garden. While most fly south during the cold months, some southern states see these jewel-toned birds year-round, like the Anna's hummingbirds of California and Arizona. Whether you're preparing for their spring arrival or stocking them up for the journey south, providing food is a great way to support our feathered friends. And while you can find feeders at most hardware or garden stores, you can also make your own by recycling a common household item — a wine bottle.

There are many types of feeders out there. They come on stands, hang from awnings, or suction to windows. Some are shaped like discs or saucers; others involve tubes of liquid surrounded by a circular base with protruding plastic flowers. However, a DIY feeder is a great option because it reduces your carbon footprint by upcycling an item you already have and costs less than buying a new one. If you're wondering how to attract hummingbirds to your garden this year, start with a DIY hummingbird feeder with this genius glass bottle trick.

Making a feeder is a simple task when you have the right supplies. You'll need a clean, empty wine bottle and a stopper with a feeder tube. YouTuber Char's Nest used one from Amazon, but Walmart sells a similar product for $6.78. Just add your own flower to the end. According to the National Audubon Society, a non-profit organization focused on bird conservation, red flowers are associated with high-quality nectar. So, this is definitely a color you should add to the garden to help attract hummingbirds. This DIY trick also requires scissors and some wire, like the 24-gauge copper coil from Michaels for $3.99. Now you can assemble.

Fold the wire in half and wrap it around the bottle, starting at the neck. Keep it tight so it doesn't slip out and break. Swap out the metal for a more natural sisal twine if you prefer. Dollar Tree sells 9 ½ foot rolls for $1.25. Once it is securely wrapped, twist and tuck the wire to hold it in place. Fill the bottle with sugar water, insert the stopper tube, and hang it in your preferred location. The sun glinting off the glass adds to the overall beauty of this feeder trick. Keep it simple, or add extra flair by hot gluing fabric flowers or painting them on. You can also add perches to allow the hummingbirds to rest while feeding you choose, you'll feel great about repurposing a used bottle into something both lovely and practical for the hummingbirds.