Hi FireFly - they initially came to the suet - but today we went to Mt. Hardware and got a feeder and the "nectar" you mix and put in it. I waited and waited and finally saw one - but by the time I got my camera it flew over to the neighbor's yard.
I pull the little bee guards from the hummingbird feeder, otherwise the Orioles (that have their own feeders....) will drain them trying to get something out by sitting on the perch and tilting the feeder. And the mix I use for the Orioles and Hummingbirds (1 part sugar to 6 parts water for Orioles) is the same. I tried using two different mixes, but they both eat out of eachother's feeders, so I opted for the Oriole receipe since the hummingbird mix ratio is lower than the orioles.
Here is some info I pulled off the web:
Hummingbird nectar recipe
The proper nectar mixture for hummingbirds is 1 (one) part white table sugar to 4 (four) parts water.
Pour 4 cups of water into a pan and add 1 cup of white table sugar. Stir the two ingredients and bring to a boil. (Boiling helps slow fermentation). Once the liquid starts to boil, take the mixture off the heat. If you leave it too long, you could boil the water out of the mixture. Allow the sugar solution to cool before filling your hummingbird feeder. Extra nectar should be stored in your refrigerator.
Do not use a sweeter mixture - this will cause harm to the birds.
Do not substitute honey for sugar.
Do not add any dye or coloring to the mixture, it is not necessary.
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Oriole nectar recipe
The proper nectar mixture for orioles is 1 (one) part white table sugar to 6 (six) parts water.
The basic recipe is six parts water to one part sugar. You may find that the sugar crystals dissolve best in hot water. Remember to allow the water to cool sufficiently before hanging the feeder back in its position outside. Any left over sugar-water can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Nectar should be replaced a minimum of once a week and more often in the summer. If possible, its best to locate the feeder in the shade. Always clean your oriole feeder with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly each time you replace the nectar.
Do not use a sweeter mixture - this will cause harm to the birds.
Do not substitute honey for sugar.
Do not add any dye or coloring to the mixture, it is not necessary.
