Friday1961

Same thing here. When I first filled the feeder, a hummer came many times a day. I added more nectar (also homemade) and no more visits. I took it down, cleaned it, made new nectar, still no visits. I've done everything I can think of and I now see an occasional hummingbird but nothing like at first or even last year when they fought over this feeder, which was hanging in the same place as now. I know the nectar is correct, I know the feeder is clean, no ants or bugs or mold. I can't figure it out, either, but I keep watching and hoping they'll come back more often.

QuiltE

Just thinking this all thru ... perhaps their disappearance is a sign that there is "real" food for them in the area? (ie flowers!) And that they are going for the real thing, instead of the substitute.

mudose8

I also noticed that I haven't had as much activity with hummers at my feeders. Usually, they seem more active early morning and late evening. Orioles will also feed on sugar water, no color necessary. I also put out oranges for the orioles, and have seen finches, red breasted woodpeckers, and others eating the oranges.Apples also work for most birds,gray catbird, cardinals, finches, rose-breasted grosbeaks.

ladydukes

I live in WA State as well....about a week ago, my hummingbirds left as well. Then, this week, they are back! I put fresh red colored sugar-water in the feeder. I love to watch these tiny creatures!

ladydukes

Kitsie

Ahh, so its not just me! Actually saw 2 yesterday! One must have been new - it was fun watching the little one try to find where to stick its beak! I do use just the sugar water nectar. Good to know this is pretty much normal.

I think I have a nest in the Leyland Cypress hedge. Would love to see the nest and those tiny eggs!!! Thanks, Nanny'sDollface for the picture!

bearisgray

Now that you've mentioned it, I haven't noticed any hummingbirds this year.

The red-winged blackbirds are sure around, though!!

Mom of 6 cats

Our hummers were late and I think the chicada humming kept them away. A few came back and I change the water every few days but have not seen many. A friend a few miles away did not have any chicadas and has a lot of humming birds. :-(

omacookie

Louisiana the hummers came the first week of May then they left !!!!! Why/ Where did they go ????We do now have red headed House Finches eating there at the feeders on the red syrup. Oh well .... Hugs

Grandma Phyl

Probably nesting

donna13350

Usually when the babies hatch out, the mothers will eat mostly insects to feed the young with. This time of year you will mostly only see males ay your feeders...an occasional female that wants a treat or has lost her young, but the females won't come back till the babies fledge(learn to fly)..then she will bring them to the feeders.
Also, this time of year, there are so many insects and flowers out, that the males hit the feeders less often...but keep feedng them..the babies and moms will be back in a couple of weeks!
I usually only put about an inch of food in the feeders this time of year so it won't go bad in the heat...when I see more action, I will fill them higher.