Here in Central Calif. I've got hummers all year round. But in colder climates the Audobon Society suggests checking with local chapter to find out proper time to stop feeding in fall/winter, so as not to entice the birds to stay longer than they should. No prob. at the other end, of course. Once they show up on their own...start feeding. Audobon also suggests 4:1 water/sugar mix...they claim that more sugary solutions give the birds sugar highs, and as they are naturally fierce little fighters anyway, this is not good. If feeder has red on it, not really necessary to color sugar water, but slight coloring does make it easier for humans to tell when feeder empty.

Above mentioned problems with mold are important. Nothing but sugar in the water, and clean feeder thoroughly between fillings. If you cant get a bottle brush thru opening, BB shot and soapy water works well, then rinse thoroughly. It gets really hot, like 110, here in the summer and these little guys run me ragged keeping the feeders filled. If you put up more than one feeder, be sure and separate them some distance. Hummers are fiercely territorial and will defend "their" feeder(s) vigorously.

Their attraction to red is legendary. I've got a jacks set on my window sill, with the traditional red jacks ball sitting atop the pile...and this gets visited daily by my hummers, checking it out thru the glass. These needle-noses can be a tad intimidating when them zoom into your face, checking out a red hat or earrings. They love to play in the spray while I'm watering the garden...and in general are great oudoor companions.