Build a DIY Hummingbird Swing for Tiny Fliers to Perch On

Mark Derse/Country Woman

While you can attract hummingbirds with sugar water feeders and colorful flowers, they also need places to perch. It turns out, hummingbirds love to ride on swings! This charming, DIY hummingbird swing will add a touch of beauty and whimsy to your hummingbird garden. Here’s how to make your own:

DIY Hummingbird Swing

What You’ll Need

• Twigs, various sizes
• 20- and 18-gauge wire
• Beads
• Wire cutters
• Round-nosed pliers
• Pencil or toothpick
• Flat-nosed pliers

Directions

1. Soak twigs in water until they become pliable.
2. Using a 6- to 7-in. twig for swing base, lash 1 end of a longer twig to 1 side of base with a 12-in. piece of 20-gauge wire, using round-nosed pliers to twist wire. Gently bend twig and lash other end to opposite side of base.
3. Twist any remaining wire into tendrils by winding tail around a pencil or toothpick. Remove pencil and pull at end of wire with flat-nosed pliers to achieve desired look.
4. Cut a 12- to 18-in. piece of 20-gauge wire. Wrap 1 end around arch of twig to secure. Add colored beads (red beads are a hummingbird favorite). Twist beaded wire around twig and secure end. Repeat process at intervals along twig arch as desired.
5. Cut an 18-in. piece of 18-gauge wire. Wrap 1 end around the top of arch, working piece into a decorative loop to use as a hanger and adding any beads as desired. Wrap other end around top of arch.
6. Hang outdoors.