I was worried I had scared him off but after delivering some grub to Mum, I went in her backyard and stood there for about 10 seconds and he zoomed around the trhe corner of the garage and started feeding on the same plant... 8' away from me. I guess he has forgiven me.

Mum finally got to see the second hummer this year. Made my day!!!

I still am perplexed about their abscence. Same thing in many other areas from reading forums at The Garden Web.