Back in September 2007, our young Rufous Hummingbirds were sticking around later than ususal, and I left the feeders out for them. Suddenly in October I realized that the Hummers I was seeing were Anna's Hummingbird, larger and fatter. I did not see a male until spring 2008, and both sexes have been here ever since. For feeders, I use test tubes with one-hole rubber stoppers and pendant bent glass tubing rather than the commercial feeders. They are very easy to keep clean with a test tube brush and pipe cleaners. I keep the feeders full on three sides of our house, so not TOO much guarding and chasing take place. A dying rhododendron outside the kitchen window makes a perfect spot for them to land after dining on the sugar water right in front of the kitchen window; fun and games this time of year, and the male is a beauty. He is practically at my face as I hang up a fresh test tube feeder full of sugar water. I don't dare let any of them go dry, or I am sure he would tap on the window and give me what for! Such a pleasure to have these beauties around!

Erin Woods
Wood Tree Farm
Redmond, Washington