Best Practice...

'Our' little female Ruby-throated hummer is back. Odds are that she didn't actually leave. She's been happily visiting the Tropical Sage, Pagoda Plant and assorted other flowers in our yard. I'm continuing to keep 'her feeder' clean and filled. I called Wild Birds Unlimited, here in G'ville and asked them for their expert advice concerning the feeder. Seems that leaving the feeder out and filled for as long as you still see hummers is good advice. Some hummingbirds choose to remain in our area for the winter and appreciate a feeder. Our winters have been getting a bit warmer and I suspect that hummingbirds aren't the only species that are modifying their migration habits. So, if you're concerned that leaving your feeders out longer than usual causes these tiny birds problems...the experts say not to worry!  
This little girl hummer always checks the bottom of the feeder when she first flies up to it. I think she might remember a time when it was leaking a bit, drop by drop. I've looked and it doesn't seem to be leaking now. But a bird's memory is amazing! m