When photographing hummingbirds, I've found that the click of the camera, and/or the flash can attract them, particularly the dominant hummingbird at that specific feeder. My theory is that because he associates the flash with the the appearance of other birds at the feeder, he learns to show up to defend it when there's a flash. Since he's there, he takes a drink before leaving. Because I've mainly observed this at Madera Canyon in the spring, it was pretty easy to figure this out because it was generally the same species bird that showed up after a 'boredom' flash I would flash if I had not had any birds for a while. Sometimes, the feeder would be primarily 'owned' by a broadbill, at other times/locations/years it might be a magnificent. Once accustomed to the flash, the birds aren't usually startled even though my flashes are quite close. (1 or 2 feet from feeder.) A high pitched whistle might produce a similar territorial response. I'd be tempted to try a dog whistle and see if they react quite well to that. Visit my link to www.gregscott.com to see my very high resolution hummingbird photos. They're not all high resolution, but most of the recent ones (taken in the spring) are quite high in resolution. Here is a link that might be useful: See my high resolution photos here.

Mamaflorence, I'm just a few minutes from the ocean on the coast, but the three that have apparently decided to overwinter are still here this morning. We've been bringing feeders in overnight when temps are predicted to drop below 30, 31, they are put back at 6:30 AM. The rufous I had daily earlier in the year I last saw in July - from what I've read, they leave quite early in the season and I won't expect to see them again before March. Keep up your feeders just in case. If they are still around they will need those warming calories first thing in the morning - I'm finding them feeding just before daylight (not quite 7 AM). You might want to check feeders mid day tomorrow and Sat, the forecast I'm seeing could mean daytime freezing of the solution and you'll want to make sure food is available.

I took down all of my hummingbird feeders temporarily because there are so many flowers right now, including an especially prolific bromeliad that the birds like. I only have the feeders up when there are not enough flowers, but since I have them hanging in the apple tree, it helps when there are fewer leaves on the tree. During the winter, I keep four feeders in the apple tree, and I have not noticed them being belligerent to the point of killing or even maiming each other. I took down feeders this spring because they were not being used that much and were getting mold. In the winter I had to refill them often, but in the spring, the birds went to the flowers instead. I have a lot of aloes and succulents that bloom in the winter, but I guess they do not supply enough food for the birds - at least not compared to the other flowers I have blooming now. Lars

Cleaning Your Hummingbird Feeder: Sugar solutions last about three to five days under normal outdoor conditions, longer in the cold and less in extreme heat. Feeders should be emptied and cleaned as soon as the sugar solution starts to appear cloudy (which can be in only a day or two if it is very hot or the feeder is in a sunny location, or if your feeder or solution is contaminated). There are a few different ways to clean and sanitize your feeder; no matter your choice, always rinse your feeders thoroughly after washing. Rinse, rinse, rinse; and when you think you've rinsed enough, rinse one last time. Various cleaning methods include washing in warm water and mild dish soap; in boiling water only or with boiling water and a mild dish detergent; or washing with vinegar and water. Rinse well if you use anything in addition to plain water. Feeders washed with warm water or warm water and soap can then be sanitized by soaking them in a mild bleach solution (in a 1:10 ratio = one part bleach, ten parts water; I usually go for one small "glug" of bleach per sink-full of water) for an hour, followed by lots and lots of rinsing. Remember: rinse well! There is no need to dry your feeders before refilling them. Feeder and Feeding Facts ALG and GARDEN WEB. Please reference these sources if you use the above information as presented here in any form or media other than for personal, individual use.