Nectar feeder design question (1 Viewer)

[becksnyc]

Hi,
I purchased a hummingbird feeder which is poorly designed, but past the return window. The nectar level is below where our male hummingbirds tongue can reach. I'd like to retrofit it, but need to know what regulates the level of the liquid. I'm not an engineer. If it's related to the depth of the container, I can change that, but if there's some interaction with internal air pressure, I'm out of my depth.
I can attach pics if anyone has this kind of expertise to share.
Thanks

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

I’m sorry I can’t help.

 

[becksnyc]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

I’m sorry I can’t help.

Thank you for the kind welcome.
I have been birding as part of an on-going yard survey on iNaturalist. Is it appropriate to share links like that here?

 

[Lisa W]

Hi, welcome to the forum. You might know this, but hummingbirds tongues are much longer than the beak would lead you to think, if the beak reaches the nectar it is fine. Can you post a picture of the feeder? And links are fine to share.

 

[becksnyc]

Hi, welcome to the forum. You might know this, but hummingbirds tongues are much longer than the beak would lead you to think, if the beak reaches the nectar it is fine. Can you post a picture of the feeder? And links are fine to share.

So, we have two bird feeders. A little male arrived about a week ago; I think he was raised here last year, so is under 1 year old.
He feeds daily at the back feeder (a different design). He tried on the front feeder on day 1 & 2, but after that only hovered briefly near it and moved on for the rest of the week.
I checked the holes to make sure there were no sharp edges. Then I used a toothpick to determine how far the liquid was from the exterior of the hole (17mm). I found another review mentioning the same issue. Here's the link to the feeder:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCGKHGK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[becksnyc]

Although I do have a life list, I'm not very list-oriented. I am more interested in observing and recording life cycles, behaviors and habits of birds. I'm doing a birdsong recording project as well.

My favorite nature quotes:
“To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday.”
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order."
― John Burroughs

My bird observations in the mountains of Appalachia:

Observations

Birds by becksnyc

www.inaturalist.org

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there and a warm welcome to you!
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like.

Lisa is correct. Hummers have very long tongues so you probably won't have a problem with the feeder.

 

[Lisa W]

I’m not saying you are incorrect. I will say that hummingbirds will go to feeders or avoid them for more than one reason. Just because one bird does not feed at a feeder means it is bad. Almost 4,000 reviews of that feeder on your link and most are 4/5 star.

 

[becksnyc]

I’m not saying you are incorrect. I will say that hummingbirds will go to feeders or avoid them for more than one reason. Just because one bird does not feed at a feeder means it is bad. Almost 4,000 reviews of that feeder on your link and most are 4/5 star.

Thank you, I will try it again later in the season when there are others less finicky.