Do hummingbird feeders work?

[20 20]

We started years back, only a few came for the 1st couple of years. We now have (last count 3yrs ago) over 60 of the little sugar suckers. So to answer you question yes it does take time, if you have a couple now you should see their activity grow over time.

 

[JerryK]

Ditto on the mix your own 4 to 1 ratio water/sugar mix. And, do not add red dye. The birds are attracted to the color of the feeder, and are just inquisitive in general... kind of weird once you get to know them. Feeder placement is important in a way. Located in a partialy to mostly shaded area away from human traffic is best, and the shade helps keep the mould problem down some. They will frequent a window feeder, but sometimes are skittish to movement in the house. But again, next time they will fly up and take a drink from your hose when you are watering something.... weird.... They eat a lot of bugs too... !!!!

 

[Ken45101]

On another note, my wife has put one out in florida during the months we are there and have seen no activity.

The migrate further south than Florida. Some migration paths cross the Caribbean, other paths go down through Mexico.

They will frequent a window feeder, but sometimes are skittish to movement in the house. But again, next time they will fly up and take a drink from your hose when you are watering something.... weird....

I have had them fly by so close that I felt the draft from their wings!

 

[IXLR8]

We use 1/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup water. Put in microwave and heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally, let cool and put in feeder. Never had much luck with the store bought mixes. We are seeing fewer this year than in years past. I am suspecting that they came up early due to the early warmth and then the cold killed off a bunch. Typically there are few the first year and you will get more and more as time goes on and they find your feeders. When we first started we were 1 of 2 in this neighborhood of 6 houses putting out feeders, now all 6 do, so that may also be contributing to our fewer numbers. They are very territorial and will come back year after year, after migrating to Mexico for the winter. Do keep the water mix changed out on a regular basis, at least weekly, more often if temps go over 90. Give them time... they will come.

 

[dmccarty]

The wifey started feeding the hummingbirds this year. She bought two feeders with one feeder actively in use while she rotates the other one out for cleaning. We have had a couple of birds for years but this is the first time we have fed them. We really wanted to plant flowers to attract both butterflies and the hummingbirds.

Not sure of the exact ratios the wifey is using to make the food but she is just using water and sugar.

We have only see a couple at a time at the feeder. Sunday morning she added the food to the feeder and by mid afternoon the birds had eaten an inch or two of the food. Given the amount of food she has been putting out I would guess we have quite a few hummingbirds. She said when she was near the feeder two of the hummingbirds were dueling with the beaks over access to the feeder. :laughing:

At some point I am going to sit near the feeder and try to get some photographs of the hummingbirds.

Later,
Dan

 

[Ken45101]

At some point I am going to sit near the feeder and try to get some photographs of the hummingbirds.

It's great fun to get the photographs and catch their wings at standstill if you use a telephone and flash. You get to see things that you don't otherwise see.

 

[meledward23]

Well, I am from OH and now in TN. When in OH I was young but I recall my Mother (and now my niece posts on FB) all the Hummingbird swarms at those feeders. They do work.

I do know from all the moving around my mother does that it does take time to get them clued in on you. My parents have a rather large boat and when the move around the marina slips it will take a few weeks before hummingbirds show up again. This is of course in a large marina where they have no business roaming. When they take that boat out and tie up near shore typically within a few hours we have company. But not always.

I think it is just a matter of time and yes once one finds it, it does seem that the FAA will be required on your property.

 

[jonyyuma]

The Hummers are not quite as many this year..We still feed pure cane sugar at ratio of 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water..If they are still finicky, then cut the water to three cups water to the cup of sugar...It does not have to be dyed red, but they like red feeders with the yellow flowers best here..plus they like the rest for their feet while drinking..Don't let the fluid get too hot in the sun..

 

[Western]

As others have said, we also get better results from the 1:4 ratio over commercial feeds, we just make enough to fill them 3/4 and keep them clean.

 

[Scooby074]

As mentioned it takes time for them to find it.

I also noticed less birds than usual this year.. I thought it was just me?