Hummingbirds and Spring

[3798j]

I'm a long time hummingbird watcher. Living in Pennsylvania, the feeders get filled and positioned each Spring on April 15th. Well today (the 24th) is this year's first sighting and a welcomed return...this one male may just be passing through but soon we'll have plenty to watch.
The video isn't from this year...(just posted for reference).

 

[gonzo]

Fantastic. We love our hummingbirds. Attracted to our tubular flowers e.g. hibiscus, honeysuckle even flowering succulents

 

[NutmegCT]

Speaking of "hummingbirds" ...

Hummingbird Moth

Recent visitor to the garden

youtube.com

 

[JPSmit]

great pics! I have been most unsuccessful in attracting hummingbirds over the past years. I have three feeders and have never had one. Any suggestions for our new home? contents of feeders? how often to change contents etc.

thanks!

 

[3798j]

...Any suggestions for our new home? contents of feeders? how often to change contents etc.

thanks!

I'm not an authority but we do have good luck attracting them. 4 cups of water brought to a boil then stir in one cup of sugar. Replace the contents in the feeders every 7 to 10 days. I use an 8 feeding hole hanging feeder and 2 "tweeter totters" (test tube feeders). We also have an assortment of flowers and butterfly bushes in the garden.

 

[gonzo]

Feeders yes, but flowering plants with tubular flowers attract the most reluctant hummingbird and even the occasional imposter moth.

 

[DrEntropy]

I recall grandfather having Honeysuckle to attract them in western PA. Have not seen the critters here in west central FL though.

 

[70herald]

Here is "my" hummingbird enjoying a bit of hard cider
We see them all year round. A bit less in the summer when they have a better choice of flowers.

 

[JPSmit]

thanks for this all - the previous owner of our place set up the gardens for birds bees and butterflies - so hopefully that will provide a good starting point to add the feeders.