"One thing I've discovered is that hummers do not like camera flash, at least the ones that visit our feeders don't. You may get one good shot with a flash, but they will bolt and not return for a while." Human eyes don't like camera flashes, the eyes (and brains) of unsuspecting, wild creatures probably don't like them either.

I found a solution that has kept my feeders from dripping and attracting yellow jackets and other unwanted pests. This only works for Humzinger-style feeders (not the standard large flower, smaller feeders.) I bought pipe sealant in the hardware section of my grocery store; pipe sealant is non-toxic. I also bought a roll of plumber's tape--the really thin tape used to help pipes seal up. First I cleaned everything really well. Then popped out all of the flowers and slathered a bunch of I then slathered the pipe sealant around where the flowers go in--you want to use a really good amount--and pushed them back in. I then did the same where the top met the bottom "bowl". Next, I wrapped a generous amount of the plumber's tape around that same place to really seal it up. The pipe sealant comes in little tubes and is kind of like working with toothpaste and putty mixed together. (Note: It doesn't fully dry up. It's not supposed to.) The end result is somewhat ugly with the white tape and the white goop around the flowers, but it sufficiently not only stopped the yellow jackets from coming (they tried and tried, but finally stopped.) You will have to replace the tape and pipe sealant now and then around the base, as it expands and contracts with the day heating up and cooling off--and especially so if it's in direct sunlight like mine are. I have a lot of hummingbirds who come my way all summer and all winter (we have Anna's Hummingbirds here in Oregon, and they don't migrate), and they've been very happy about not having the yellow jackets scare them off in the warmer months.

Here's a link for butterfly gardens. And here are some plants that hummers like. Trees and Shrubs Azalea Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) Cape Honeysuckle Flame Acanthus Flowering Quince Lantana Manzanita Mimosa Red Buckeye Tree Tobacco Turk's Cap Weigela Vines Coral Honeysuckle Cypress Vine Morning Glory Scarlet Runner Bean Trumpet Creeper Perennials Bee Balm (Monarda) Canna Cardinal Flower Columbine Coral Bells Four O'Clocks Foxglove Hosta Hummingbird Mint (Agastache) Little Cigar Lupine Penstemon Yucca Annuals Beard Tongue (and other penstemons) Firespike Fuchsia Impatiens Jacobiana Jewelweed Petunia Various Salvia species Shrimp Plant Here is a link that might be useful: Butterfies

I live in Washington State. I have two feeders and it is winter right now. It has been VERY cold, down in the teens. How often do I change the feeders? I have a little humming bird that is still here living in the big bush across the street. I see him every now and then and he is just sitting on a little branch in an opening in the bush. I have put White Christmas lights on the patio I leave on 24-7 to have a warm area at night if he knows to come and take advantage of it. I made a little cup nest out of Lab stone like the one I saw at my mother-in-laws house one year. I put it up as high as I could and made a few leaves to shield it from the wind He probably has a fine place over across the street. I put grass in it that grew from the bird seed feeder this fall. Guess I better clean that one out. Anyway. Is there anything I can put out to help this little guy make it through this cold time?? Thank you in advance anybody.