Create A Nature-Inspired Hummingbird Swing With A Simple DIY

If you've been trying to attract more hummingbirds to your backyard, you've probably already tried the basics like feeders and crafting your own DIY hummingbird nectar. What you may not realize, however, is that there are a multitude of ways to inspire the charming little birds to make your garden their home base. One simple yet exciting DIY project will provide your neighborhood hummingbirds with a peaceful place to perch, preen, and enjoy a bit of playful enrichment. The project: a hummingbird swing, complete with a few bright-colored flowers sure to make it an appealing rest stop for hummingbirds of all stripes.

Unlike feeders, which cater to the birds' primal need for fuel, these swings offer an eye-catching vantage point for your feathered friends to enjoy a brief respite from the grind of flying for dozens of uninterrupted hours. You can design a hummingbird swing with a myriad of fun and natural aesthetics, though we'll be focusing on the use of real and faux flowers, in order to appeal to the birds' innate sense of attraction toward bright, flashy colors. Whether you opt for real flowers, which can change with the seasons or faux flowers that offer a year-long bloom, you'll find that this project is a fun and engaging way to bring nature into your own backyard.

This simple project starts with just a few basic materials. Start with a small, lightweight frame such as a wire hoop or wooden branch, bent carefully into a "U" shape. This will be the swing on which your hummingbirds will perch. Next, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of using real or faux flowers. Depending on your climate, aesthetic, and gardening prowess, you may find that one makes more sense than the other. Real flowers can help to attract pollinators in addition to birds, while faux flowers deliver a maintenance-free look that will last all year. If you do choose fresh flowers, bear in mind that they'll need to be changed often. To make real flowers last longer, try drying them before attaching them to the swing. Just note they'll need to stay away from excess moisture. Using real flowers also provides the option to swap out different looks for each season.

After decorating with your preferred accoutrement, secure the swing with some floral wire or natural twine. Don't worry much about the range of movement once it's hung, as a gentle sway is more than enough. Hang your perch somewhere with relatively close proximity to a hummingbird feeder but avoid overcrowded spots like a branch-filled tree. Hummingbirds like to scout their surroundings during their brief pauses from flight, and don't like to be boxed in. With any luck, your floral fixture will quickly become all the buzz amongst the local bird population, leaving you with a chance to see hummingbirds revel in your hard work. In any case, try adding warm hues such as red when choosing your flowers — it's a color beloved by hummingbirds.