Olya,
I know most people use feeders but in my yard they have gone past the feeder to get to the plants. I tried for a couple years and have given up the feeders. I don't think they increase your chance to have or keep the birds, but they may make it easier to watch them.
Kate

Kate, I agree this wont increase the chance of keeping the birds or attracting the birds. My goal is, as you stated, to make it easier to watch them :)
Lots of hummer and butterfly plants are the ones in charge of attracting :)

Thank you
Olya

Olya, it also depends on the individual hummers...and how much plant nectar they slurp up in one day. Sometimes, they will start out on the flowers then switch over to the feeders. I've had them feed at both plants and feeders many times. And you can control the feeders, by moving them slowly away from the flowerbeds (where they should be placed until they begin to be used) and closer to your observation area. You can eventually move them right up onto a porch or next to a window and have up close and personal viewing from inside the house!

As to how long to keep them out, it used to be put them out in February (here in CENTRAL Florida) and take them down in early fall. But lately, more and more hummers are being spotted during the late fall and winter, so many gardeners and birdwatchers are leaving the feeders out all year long. I'm reading that they have gotten great results with extended viewing hours in many locations.

I would suggest trying the traditional months, at least, and then deciding whether or not to continue offering food all winter, based on the results you have gotten.

Good luck!!

Marcia