Place your feeder anywhere it can be attached to a fixed object or securely hung using the attached hook. Look for a quiet, safe spot with partial shade and plenty of nearby flowers to help invite more hummers, then hang it high and clip it tight. Keeping your feeder away from harsh direct light helps protect the camera and allows for even better hummingbird content.

Hummingbird nectar is easy and inexpensive to make—simply mix four parts water and one part white sugar. (And the white sugar part is important because other types of sugar or sweeteners, like brown sugar, raw sugar, or molasses, can be harmful to birds.) Warm the water on the stove until it begins to simmer, then add the white sugar, stirring until it dissolves. Next, let the mixture cool to room temperature and it’s ready to go.

Leftover nectar can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Or, if you’d rather purchase premade nectar, just make sure it’s made of sucrose, contains limited preservatives, and is dye-free.

Keeping your feeder clean creates a healthy, happy spot for hummingbirds and more crystal-clear bird snaps for you. 

We recommend washing the feeder with warm water and some mild soap. Use a bottle brush to get into the tiny nooks and don’t forget to give the ports a good swipe, too—this is where mold often likes to hide. The nectar reservoir and drinking tray are also dishwasher safe.

Next, sanitize with either a solution made of 90% water and 10% bleach or a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar.

Use a soft cloth or towel to carefully dry—taking extra care near the camera to avoid scratches.

Discover the joy of birdwatching right out of the box with our free FeatherSnap app, where you can access live streaming of birds at your feeder and download pictures. 

When you’re ready to really spread your birdwatching wings, the Premium Subscription offers even more personalized magic and intel. Save and share your best snaps, use AI to identify bird species (it’s like having access to your very own on-call ornithologist—fancy, right?), and build your own Bird Book. Plus, unlock weekly Snap Wraps, play daily games to earn seeds, hatch and customize adorable Snaplings, collect exclusive badges, and basically live your best backyard nature documentary life. Starring you, and your feathered crew.

If your feeder seems a little lonely, don’t worry—hummingbirds are known to be picky and like to take their time. While the birds are getting better acquainted with your feeder, here are a few things you can look into:

Make sure the nectar in your feeder is fresh and clean—old or spoiled nectar can be a no-go for hummingbirds.

Double-check the location to make sure it’s the prime spot. Avoid spaces that may get windy, are near busy footpaths, or are in areas where predators may like to lurk—keep it away from dense bushes or shrubs and 4-6 feet off the ground.

Often, patience is the best trick we can offer—especially if this is a new feeder. It can take some time for hummingbirds to discover a birdfeeder and feel comfortable stopping by, but they will eventually find you. And wow, will the wait be worth it.

It’s always a good idea to check that the camera is properly inserted. If that’s good to go, try gently clearing any dirt and debris from the solar panels using warm water and a bit of mild soap. Finally, double-check that your feeder is hung in a spot that gets direct sunlight for several hours a day.