I have at least one male Rufous Hummingbird that has been coming to my hummingbird feeder off and on for about two weeks. He sometimes passes it by as if it weren't even there. Someplace I read that there are specific requirements for locating hummingbird feeders. Mine is hanging from my back porch on a southern exposure. It doesn't get a lot of sun because of the nearby trees.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the correct locating of hummingbird feeders? I am following the correct procedures for mixing the formula and changing the sugar water every 3-4 days as was recommended. The feeder I am using is not an ornamental feeder, but one that was purchased with the red bottom and the ring for the hummers to sit while feeding. The bottle attaches and flows into the bottom for the hummers to feed from. This is my first year for trying to attract the wonderful little guys, and my excitement it beginning to change to discouragement.

There is a fairly large quince bush in my front yard, and in the past, hummers have fed from it until there are better and more desirable flowers available. This is also my first year planting flowers for the hummingbirds, so any suggestions for flowers for them that take the least amount of care would be appreciated, also. I did plant a butterfly bush, and does anyone know how long that will take before it will flower and attract butterflies?

J.V. Bonham
jvbonham at msn.com
Centralia, WA