[parentologist]

Been expecting him past couple of weeks. I put up the feeder as soon as the migration map showed a reported arrival in the area, but ours usually doesn't show until a couple of weeks later. So happy to see him finally here. We get so much enjoyment out of watching these amazing creatures. If you want them, put out this feeder, the mini humzinger - it's the best.

Amazon.com: Aspects 153 Mini Hummzinger Hummingbird Feeder, 8-Ounce: Patio, Lawn & Garden

It helps to put out a hanging pot with red flowers (trumpet flowers are best, but red begonia will do, or any red flower). Fill it with a solution of one part sugar to three parts water (we just dump a lot of sugar into the water, dissolve it, and fill the feeder). DON"T add red food coloring - the red color of the feeder will be enough. You can hang it very close to a window or slider. It's amazing how fast they show up and learn to feed from it. The males come first, to stake out the territory. They guard the feeder against other hummingbirds, male and female. I've even been dive bombed by them when I go out to change the feeder. Imagine - a bird that weighs a tenth of an ounce, defending its food source against a human! They're really incredible. Change the solution once a week, and keep it filled until late October, for any late migrators. They won't be tempted to stay too long by available food, and a late stray migrator may stop for a snack on her way south.

[mels]

I just hung my feeder yesterday wondering if there were any around yet, as I figured they should be here soon. I haven't seen any yet!