For me the hummers like the feeders but will go to the flowers when the mean male is blocking the feeders or I haven't filled it fast enough. But I am planting out more of their favorites just incase. And I use the 4 parts of water to 1 part sugar recipe all summer for the hummers. Paula

I don't know which they like better, since I've never put up a feeder. But I do know that with flowers alone, you can attract regular visits from the hummingbirds! Each year, there are more flowers growing in the gardens than the last. Once the Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) goes into full bloom, the hummers will visit the flowers regularly until they are ready to leave in the fall. After the Bee Balm, the Lobelia cardinalis blooms, and then the Salvia splendens and coccinea, and the Cardinal climber. These are all hummingbird favorites. The flowers seem to be visited about every 15-20 mintues. Often I'll see 2 hummers, tussling and chasing each other around the flowers and yard. Last summer, there were 2 females fighting over the Lobelia cardinalis, and a male flew into the fracas, probably the mate of one of the females. Three hummingbirds were the most I've seen at one time. I have a very native and natural backyard, so their needs for habitat and insects are satisfied as well. It also helps that a couple of the neighbors have nice gardens too.

Thanks for your comment, mbrowne. I'm sure the additional feeders are affecting their behavior as well. Last year, the two feeders were guarded fiercely from a nearby wire. With 5, I'm finding one bird only guards one or two, and allows feeding at the others. I don't know if you remember my comments about timidity earlier this year--you were surprised. Well, this new mob isn't as timid, either. They'll feed if I stand motionless a few feet away, and tolerate some movement inside the house. Also I've noticed they may turn their back on me (I guess to shut out the intrusive sight of me :) Fly off only at movement, but even then come right back. All the extra acitivity is definitely worth the little bit of extra work.

Greetings! As an avid Birder, I'm amazed that Hummingbirds are being reported from NY State before May. Have any of you actually SEEN one yet?? We are talking record early here... In Syracuse, most of the RUHU (Hummingbirds) arrive around May 1st. In my yard, the average is around May 9th. It doesn't hurt to get your feeders out early, just make sure to change the fluid each week. Orioles are due this week, and they too come to feeders. Mine are also attracted to juice oranges cut in half and impaled on tree branches, etc. Both Orioles and Hummingbirds benefit from a sweeter nectar in early spring. Exhausted from migration, they load up on calories as soon as they arrive. I usually make a 3:1 solution for the first two weeks. Follow Penny's advice above, just use 3 cups of water to 1 cup PURE CANE SUGAR. Note the bag must say PURE CANE SUGAR. The Wegmans brand of cheap sugar is made from beets, and RUHU ignore it. After mid-May, RUHU nectar goes back to 4:1. Good Luck!! I'll post when my Hummers return!!! PS: You can make a hanging basket for them by using cheap annuals potted in last year's Fuschia basket. Use Salvia, Impatiens, Phlox, etc. Most superstores have something in the L&G section by now!!