Turn Your Yard Into A Hummingbird Haven With This Simple Swing DIY

To create your perch, you will need several lengths of wire. YouTube DIY-er Julie Roylance uses a thicker 14 gauge wire (available from Michaels for $6) as the base, which is then wrapped with green garden wire and slender copper wire that threads an assortment of red buttons. Begin by making your basic frame for the swing by attaching the 14 gauge wire in an arched loop over the dowel or stick. Attach the wire to the dowel (also available at Michaels for $3.49) by drilling two small holes, then threading the wire through and wrapping a firm loop. You will also create a loop at the top of the wire arch that will serve as a hanger.

Roylance creates several wire curlicues at the ends of each wire to finish it off prettily, making it easy to go back in and use needle-nosed pliers to fold in any sharp edges of the wire. Using another length of garden wire, she creates another curlicue and braids the wire with the other. She then uses a length of copper wire to thread several red buttons, wrapping the length around each side of the arch. The multiple wires will add strength and stability to the perch, while the buttons add a bit of red that will attract the hummingbirds. You can also, like @birding_by_ear, add other elements that make the perch especially desirable, like crystal beads and a small container with nectar.