My MIL's DH saw one yesterday at my feeders, but I haven't stood there long enough to see one yet. Some thoughts: While some like to boil, I don't, and my hummers don't seem to care. I make a 2 qt pitcher at a time, and use 2C sugar, 2C hot tap water (stir well), then add another 6C of cold water, and can use immediately. The rest is refrigerated. I fill 4 feeders, and recently saw an open "plate" design feeder video online that was simply amazing. Someone on one of these boards posted it. Might be in the New England board. I'm considering making one. Apparently they'll all play nice if they're forced to eat from the same big bowl.

Dovetail, I didn't think to mention last night - if you haven't been seeing hummingbirds in your yard and want to attract them to that feeder, they might find it more quickly if you tie a piece of red ribbon to it temporarily until they've become accustomed to it as a food source. I know it doesn't need the pretty design altered to look lovely, but you may notice the hummers may need a bit of tantalizing to come in close and investigate. When we moved to this house I was seeing a hummingbird darting around these office front windows as I worked - week after Thanksgiving :). DH had put a feeder in back off the kitchen, but I had hung a Christmas wreath with nothing on it other than a red bow on the outside of the hallway door. They saw the bow immediately, were checking it for food :) I didn't have a wreath for the main front entrance yet that week then used bronzes and golds, no red to tease them.

Well my Resident has moved in...but we right now have had some chilly mornings..wonder if he'll stay... ? I have noticed from other areas that have posted about hummers they have more than one that can feed at a feeder...sure wish they'd get along here...guess it's like people..not too many get along in the neighborhood...LOL. Christy sorry to hear you haven't seen any yet... Hummer Steve..I'll make sure I spread the word to those daring critters...You've got good juice :) If we have more cold mornings our hummers might pack it up Have a good evening everyone God Bless ! BarbZeee

These little creatures are a lot tougher than you would imagine, I noticed three the first day of rough weather last week where it stayed below freezing and put out a feeder, bringing it in at night, mixing the sugar/water ratio a little stronger so it wouldn't freeze as quickly. Storm passed on Thanksgiving day finally (4 days) and they are still here a week later. I wish I knew where they had gone at night when it was 20F, but apparently they found someplace suitable.