the one out back is near several blooming mandevilla's and the one out front is in a crepe myrtle tree, but is surrounded by a flower garden (zinnia's, lillies are about the only things in bloom there, aside from the crepe myrtle itself). After closer observation (and time to change the nectar out) They actually have about the same activity...maybe being in the tree keeps them hidden more? I just changed out the feeder this morning (6:45 am) and they are already starting!!! that's so cool...I sure do enjoy them.

I've grown this from seed for the past 3 years. The foliage on mine is starting to really fill out now too. No blooms yet either, but it doesn't usually start blooming until mid-August, so no worry. Right now, the Monarda is still in bloom and the Lobelia cardinalis is going strong, and the Zinnias are blooming, so the hummers have plenty of nectar. The cardinal climber provides nectar for the late summer up until the hummers leave in September. I don't know that there is anything you can do to encourage earlier blooming, other than maybe starting them inside under lights and planting them out earlier in the season, but this might be tricky to do with a vine.

Caution on the pokeberries. One of those plants that is much harder NOT to grow (at least here in PA) than to grow. Very invasive, very large, too gawky to be half attractive (the berries are a pretty blue, though,) they do stain, I think they are poisonous, and one of my friends told me that in her childhood they called them 'stinkweed.' (Never stopped to smell one.) That said, if you still want them go for it, they might be an improvement over poison ivy. Hmm...seems like damning with faint praise to me. I've been ripping them out for a few years but would be willing to send you seed if I find any I missed...all of it, come to think of it.

"Depending on where you live, it is either a Canyon Towhee or California Towhee." Thanks, BN! I realized after posting that I should've mentioned where I am--I'm in the San Gabriel Valley in the Los Angeles area. From looking at pics after reading your reply, I THINK it's a California Towhee. Thanks again!