As the native plant and butterfly guy, I have to reccomend using natives
instead of Buddleja Davidii (ie Butterfly Bush). Buddlejas are another one
of the non-native "Starlings" of the plant world, are highly invasive and
are increasingly replacing our native plants and the wildlife, including
butterflies and birds that they support. Possibly our best native butterfly
nectar plant is Spreading Dogbane - Apocynum androsaemifolium. Native
asters are also very good as are native thistles among others. Stinging
Nettles feed more butterfly caterpillars than any other species in our area.
I'll send my article on native plants for the butterflies of western
Washington to anyone who wants it.

Stewart
-----Original Message-----
From: TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu
[mailto:TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu]On Behalf Of jvbonham at msn.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 1:56 PM
To: tweeters
Subject: Hummingbird feeder locations


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
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