Since the hummingbirds are attracted to flowers for their nectar, be sure you have flowers blooming in your garden all summer long. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to red flowers but will visit any flowers producing quantities of nectar. For the best success, hummingbird feeders should be placed in or near a flower garden to encourage feeding from natural sources. However, you may wish to place additional feeders near a window or porch in order to see and photograph the hummingbirds up close. When placing the feeders near the house, be sure to use several feeders and hang them far apart.
Hummingbirds are extremely territorial and aggressive around a single food source.
Several types of hummingbird feeders are available on the market including class, plastic, or ceramic construction. All of these types of feeders work well, but a perch at the feeder will encourage hummingbirds to remain there for longer periods of time. Although you can buy a commercial nectar solution, the fancy red-tinted formulas many people use in feeders are not necessary to attract hummingbirds. They will hover just as enthusiastically at a feeder with plain sugar water. The best solution is 80 percent boiling water to 20 percent sugar, a four to one mix.