Rick Steves Swears by a Stunning Glass Accent Piece to Attract Hummingbirds – and It Turns His Porch into a Sunlit Show
The art of backyard enchantment: Rick Steves on using color, light, and a simple feeder to welcome hummingbirds into your outdoor space
Megan Slack
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It is hard not to be captivated by hummingbirds. From their lightning-fast wings to their jewel-toned feathers and impossibly tiny beaks, these miniature pollinators feel almost magical when they dart through a garden.
Fortunately, attracting hummingbirds to a yard does not require an elaborate landscape overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is one thoughtfully chosen detail, something travel expert Rick Steves understands well.
In an interview with The Strategist, Steves explained why aesthetics matter just as much as practicality. Living in Seattle, he says, means being surrounded by artistic glasswork, a nod to the region’s most famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly.
‘As the sun’s going down, the light cuts through that orange-and-red glass filled with sweet water for the hummingbirds. It’s just beautiful,’ Steves said.
That warm glow is part of what makes the feeder so effective. The richly colored glass refracts sunlight, creating a radiant effect that catches both human eyes and hummingbirds’ attention. It is an ideal solution if you are wondering where to place a feeder. Experts recommend keeping it within arm’s reach so it can be cleaned easily, and this is one you will actually want close by.
Steves' exact birdfeeder is no longer available, but I found an almost-identical piece on Amazon below.
This easy-to-hang outdoor bird feeder is crafted to attract hummingbirds seeking nectar. Its sturdy base offers an ideal perch, allowing the birds to rest comfortably while they feed.
Steves also avoids a common hummingbird feeder mistake by paying attention to the base. Sugar water can quickly become murky or moldy if it is not cleaned regularly, and over time, parts may need replacing. He recalled how chance helped him solve the problem.
‘The base gets kind of mucky if you do not wash it, and eventually it needs to be replaced. I was walking to work one day and saw a tiny garage sale. I stepped inside and found exactly the base I needed. It felt like divine intervention. It cost me a dollar,’ he said.
To follow his example, I've listed some more of my favorite hummingbird feeders below.
The smart wide openings of these feeders make them simple to fill and clean, while the durable clear plastic lets you easily keep an eye on nectar levels, so you always know when a refill is needed.
This hummingbird feeder features stunning blown glass and comes equipped with an ant guard and a bee-resistant metal base.
This high-quality glass nectar container features six flower-shaped feeding ports, allowing multiple hummingbirds to feed at the same time.
The hand-blown, speckled design of this glass hummingbird feeder will attract colorful feathered visitors from all around. Its distinctive finial shape and multi-colored speckles bring a vibrant splash of color to any porch.
The feeder’s distinctive hanging design offers a clear, unobstructed view of hummingbirds as they hover and sip, letting you enjoy their captivating beauty up close.
Designed to draw hummingbirds while enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space, this feeder also serves as a delightful garden ornament. Its intricate details are perfect for bird enthusiasts, gardeners, or anyone who appreciates distinctive decor.
Inviting more pollinators into your outdoor space is always a good thing, especially when they are as captivating as hummingbirds. When the feeder itself doubles as a glowing piece of porch decor, it is easy to see why this simple glass accessory has earned Rick Steves’ approval.
Whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or simply someone who enjoys a splash of beauty in the backyard, a well-chosen hummingbird feeder provides the best of both worlds. It nourishes these enchanting pollinators while adding color and charm to your outdoor space.
As Rick Steves’ experience shows, sometimes the simplest details, like a touch of art, sunlight, or a carefully maintained feeder, can transform an ordinary yard into a wildlife garden where nature and design come together in perfect harmony.
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