Humming Birds stuck in the Barn

Perhaps this forum isn't the place for it, but I have a problem. Our barn is quite tall inside but the doors are only about 7' high. Birds fly in and go up and can't figure out how to get out .The humming birds are the most pitiful. They just fly back and forth forever. Most eventually get out but a couple have died - from exhaustion I would guess. I have one of those plastic owls guarding the door, but he doesn't seem to keep them away. Any suggestions on how to prevent trapped birds?

No hints on how to keep them out, but I have a trick for trying to rescue the Hummingbirds.

First you attache a rope/pulley to a beam. Raise the feeder up to that beam so that the Hummingbirds can see it. They'll come to land on it and drink. Once they have discovered it, you can gradually begin to lower it until the feeder is level with the opening in the door. Then the HBs can see the outside and leave.

On a similar note, you might want to consider putting some kind of a window up at the top so they can fly towards light and escape.

And finally, you might want to try some of those other bird scarers like eye balloons, holograph owls, cds, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RUI87A

Thanks, Mrs_Ed, I like the sinking feeder idea. It may be quire a feat getting the cord over a beam. It is a TALL barn. Eye balloons sound easy, I'll start with those. The humming birds will be around here for at least another month. I don't want any more casualties.

You're welcome. That technique works for my Mom, who gets them stuck in her tall garage.


Maybe you can get a fishing pole out and cast it over the beam! HA.

That would require skill!

I like the bird feeder idea. They die from starvation as they need to eat every 15-20 minutes or they are goners. Get someone to hang a pulley over a beam up there and feed them up there, they will at least live long enough to find their way back outside.
And besides, you could become a legend in your own time. The hummingbird whisperer. Or something.
Poetinwood

What if word gets out in the humming bird telegraph and my barn feeder attracts even more?

Oh yes, and that "someone" in the rafters would have to be me.

There are probably thousands of able bodied hummingbird lovers in Houston near you. As there are all sorts of local birdwatching groups that you could petition for a little help, maybe as easy as a phone call. If I lived closer, I'd come do it for you; I've built my share of barns.
Just say: "Is there any able bodied resourceful person reading this that could lend a hand in Richmond, Tx. just a little west of Houston?" Ask and thou shall receive.
Probably the most glorious vision I am able to think of is a hummingbird alighting on a swan's back to get a free ride to a warmer land, I even get chill bumps when I visualize it. I try not to think of the swans without riders, that's where the monster sleeps, politics.

Poetinwood, your name is well chosen.

errrr…

Well the scare eyes might work for the barn, unless you are keeping grapes in there!

I wonder if a bright colored tarp, old roofing, or piece of bright painted plywood placed on the floor in the doorway with red dots to imitate flowers could draw them back down to escape altitudes. Or even a plastic plant with red flowers.
OMG! Have I just condoned, Nay: recommended, the purchase of plastic flowers? ! ! I'm afraid it's the river Styx for me now, all is lost. Forfeit!

All is not lost; I have a REAL red hibiscus in a pot, perhaps I can just move it into the barn as needed! Some Good ideas here, thanks all.

That's a good idea!