Revelation! After close observation and the use of several types of
feeders I have learned that hummingbirds prefer to perch while drinking
the nectar when they have the option. During the 2+ weeks of migration I
have 30+ hummingbirds feeding from multiple feeders. I had 2 that had
no perch for them to rest while drinking and ONE feeder they could sit
while drinking. Well that ONE feeder got drained in 2 days while BOTH of
the other feeders still had over half, even though they were put out at
the same time. So I devised a way to make a perch for them made of pipe
cleaners. After I made them a way to sit while drinking they quickly
drained them. Yes, everything else was equal, the only difference was
that on the 2 feeders they had to fly to drink and on the other one they
could sit. When I made a place for them to sit on the other 2 feeders
they used them WAY more. Over the years you need to replace old and
fading feeders especially the plastic feeders. But when you are ready to
buy new feeders keep in mind that they prefer the ones they can perch
while drinking. So if you want more birds try sticking to the feeders
that have a perch for them to sit on. Or do as I did and make a perch
using pipe cleaners. Below is just one example. If you click on the picture below it will take you directly to an Amazon.com page where there are MANY other types to chose from.