Where did my hummers go??

cvm2002

14 years ago

I'm new to hummingbird feeding, so I'll state that right off the bat. I hung a feeder and within 24 hours had a pair of Rufous hummingbirds using it very regularly. Within a week I had a half-dozen, so I hung a second feeder. We were having birds at both feeders, very frequently, having to refill the feeders (sugar water mix, not the commercial nectar) every other day.

I went on vacation for a week, and the gal that was taking care of the house & pets was refilling the feeders for me. I made a large batch of sugar water and refrigerated it as I've seen recommended on other sites. Well, since we've been back, our hummingbirds are gone. I'll see one here and there, but certainly not the every-5-minutes frequency that we've had before. Any ideas as to why? I've made up fresh sugar water and have cleaned and refilled the feeders, so I guess we'll see. Any info would be appreciated!

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Comments (4)

rob_a
14 years ago
If I were you, I would be suspicious of your house keeper's diligence following your instructions. Sounds like your feeders ran empty or got dirty. But bad weather runs my hummers off for a while. They always come back, or others move in to take their place.

Your hummers will be back.
rthummer
14 years ago
Ditto robs' post. I think your birds are telling on your housekeeper. So sorry this happen to you, especially after all you hard work and caring.
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gardenlover25
14 years ago
You know I have the same experience as yours, my hummingbird also left its cage and later on came back for after a week or so.
mbuckmaster
14 years ago
Hummers disappear regularly during the year, for nesting, to move on to greener pastures, to use "better" natural nectar sources that have recently come in bloom, and sometimes--as much as we hate to say it--because they have died. They are wild animals, after all, and highly unpredictable ones at that. Don't blame your housekeeper so quickly!

Rob is absolutely correct--keep fresh feeders out and you will get those hummers back and then some!