Here are 11 REASONS WHY we recommend THIS brand and design after trying 4 other brands that failed:
1. Hummingbirds "found" this feeder within minutes after we installed it on our patio; that's because the entire lid (top of the feeder) is fire-engine red — the color that draws the hummers like a magnet. (Watch our animated video featuring one of our first visitors!)
2. One of the best features is the complete absence of yellow flowers or anything else yellow on the feeder. That's extremely significant because the color yellow draws bees like crazy. (Notably, the last four brands we tried ended up drawing swarms of bees — so to protect the hummingbirds, we removed the feeders from our garden until the bees forgot about them.
3. Within the feeder port design, a built-in nectar guard helps thwart bees and insects. Even better, this feature is compatible with Aspects' Nectar Guard Tips, which easily slide onto the feeding ports on the underside of each feeder cover — creating an even stronger barrier that flying insects can’t penetrate.
4. The perch feature invites the hummingbirds to linger longer, because they can rest as they feed. And as they rest while they're feeding, it gives us opportunity to photograph them without the camera blur that happens when their wings are rapidly flapping. Notably, Hummingbirds spend up to 90 percent of their flying time hovering to feed: small hummingbirds beat their wings 38-78 times a second; larger hummingbirds 18-28 times a second. So anything you can do to minimize all that stress on them, the better!
5. So far, this model appears to be absolutely, positively leak-proof and spill-proof — unless strong wind gusts are causing the feeder to sway, which can splatter the nectar within the saucer. We hate when that happens, because when nectar spills on patios, a rapidly approaching trail of ants isn't far behind!
6. The design of this feeder also includes a post-mount feature. The informational insert describes how the feeder can be post-mounted on a 5/8-inch wooden dowel or on a 1/2-inch pole that's inserted into the ground. That would certainly guarantee no nectar spills or splatters, which translates to no ant trails!
7. The ant moat in the center helps keep ants and other insects from crawling into the nectar. Great solution, considering ants do not want to cross water and cannot find a way around the moat to get to the nectar.
8. This design is super simple and easy to clean because what you see is all that's there; there aren't any hidden crevices you have to find and clean to prevent mold from being trapped and growing bacteria. We wash ours in hot water with mild dishwashing liquid. Since it's made from polycarbonate, you can stick it in the dishwasher if you prefer.
9. A measuring scale imprinted on one side of the clear plastic saucer serves as a handy guide for filling the feeder.
10. The two-page (front-and-back) informational insert that's included provides helpful tips for how to set up and clean your feeder, how to prepare nectar, and how to attract hummingbirds to your feeding station.
11. The product comes with a lifetime guarantee that covers the function of the item against defect or damage. If it breaks or no longer functions, the company will either repair or replace parts or the entire unit — unless, of course, you neglected to care for it as recommended.
12. In view of all the features and our experience so far, the price is quite reasonable for what you get. And of course, Amazon's free return policy increases a consumer’s comfort level to purchase this product.