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They won't miss it. They know how to find it. I have mine hanging from under my porch roof, and they never had a problem finding it. They actually roost in trees quite a bit, so they're in the shade more than you realize.
You can see mine in the picture below. They also hang around the plants on the porch, even when I have flowers on the tables next to the chairs. When I lived in Houston, I had one on my upstairs apartment balcony, and they always found it.
I agree, they're crafty little things. They are bold; if I sit still they'll eat at a feeder six inches from me, and they'll check out my face for a couple seconds when they are leaving. I have a couple videos somewhere of one sitting 6" from my knee and yelling at me. They aren't afraid of going onto a covered deck or anything like that.
Another thing is that they are creatures of habit. I have a lot of traffic at my feeders. If I remove one of the feeders to change the nectar out, I'll see one or two hummingbirds fly up to where it usually hangs, look puzzled, chirp a few times, and then take off. When I put it back, they're on it in one or two minutes, just enough time for it to stop swinging around. They feed after dusk too, which tells me that they either see really well, or just know where to go.
I have been a hummer watcher for too many years to count and have noticed the numbers will vary from year to year. This year we had only two pair until the little ones started flying, and now the ones headed south are stopping by. I leave my feeder out all winter in case a straggler needs a little boost on the way. Of course if a freeze is anticipated I take them down, after dark, but make sure they are back up early.
A few years ago we had so many, especially after migration started, that they were taking about four cups per day. They have never been that thick before or since.
Thanks.
Very nice photo and nice house as well, Claire. You are in NC.... Maybe its a matter of geography? I am from NY.
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