Attracting hummers to your yard will require a bright splash of color. This can be accomplished by selective plantings or by artificial means such as surveyor's ribbon or silk flowers. These methods will attract the hummers to your yard making it easier for them to find your feeders. See the list of the HBSG favorite plants for hummers . However, more recent observational studies strongly suggest they also feed on small soft-bodied insects in much the same manner as flycatchers do.
Hummers are capable of living for extended periods without nectar as a component of their diet.
They can quickly convert fat reserves and recently ingested arthropods to energy when deprived of nectar. The ratio for your feeder is one part sugar to four parts water . Please NO food coloring. It is not necessary to buy ready-made nectar because the birds get all the vitamins, minerals and proteins they need from the natural nectar and insects they eat. If the hummers are not emptying your feeders, just partially fill them.