I have two nectar feeders up between March and April. Outside of that, I
only maintain one because I find it more than enough work to bleach the
feeder once per week and replace the sugar/water solution twice per week
between the late spring and early fall. I can't imagine doing that for four
or five feeders.
Instead, I plant hummingbird-friendly plants that are native to the West
Coast. I've found that both Anna's and Rufous really like some of the
California fuchsias. One of the earlier-blooming (July-August) species is
Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria garrettii). This species grows in the
interior West (Utah, Wyoming, and down into some of the California deserts)
and is fully drought-tolerant and hardy in Western Oregon. Mattole River
fuschsia (Z. septentrionalis 'Mattole River'), from Humbolt County, CA,
blooms a little later (August-September) and does well in part shade with
regular garden water (it does best with at least a little summer water).
Hummers like some of the penstemons as well. My Anna's like Penstemon
'Margarita BOP', which blooms May-June. This one needs full sun, summer
drought, and is finicky about soil drainage. They're easiest in pots with
"cactus mix" soil and once-per-week water. Unlike the fuchsias, they're
evergreen and look nice year-round.
Brandon
Eugene
