DaisyRyder said:Last year my neighbor took up feeding hummingbirds (again). First let me say she is not known for gardening enthusiasm nor is she very active. She stays in her bedroom all day watching soap operas with her chihuahua. So when she decided that I had sufficiently brought back the hummingbirds in the 200 acres we share (I guess one neighbor is better than many). She decided she would start feeding them as well. "Oh no." Was my first thought. As you see, her lack of 'get up and go' mixed with 'not the sharpest knife in the drawer' had me concerned. I hate the word "lazy" as my mother often called me such. Probably why I strive to be the opposite. Thanks mom. (Mom and I don't talk. Lol?) But she could definitely be considered someone who wouldn't do more than they have to. Now, last year, I had five feeders placed in various locations. She had one.
The first time I visited her (I dunno, needed a cup of sugar or something), the feeder was cloudy. "That's not good for the birds. It can kill them." I'd say. "Oh, I'll get to it. I've been meaning to." My neighbors are 61 and 72. I'm 27 (28 this April) and my husband is 62. We've been married 9 years. He runs circles around me so I couldn't figure out why or where this laziness to change their feeder was coming from. After a few visits to the neighbors, both of them in awe at the little creature(s) dancing around their only feeder, and I in awe that they didn't understand my explanation of how/why it constantly squirts poo every time it lunges for the feeder was an issue. I went so far as to bring them fresh hummer food on a weekly basis when I was changing mine out.
A new hummer season has started.
She texted me, "hummingbirds are back".
"Oh no." I thought once more.
Caring for the hummers is like being a responsible pet owner. Do it right. Or don't do it at all.
Today she asked if I needed a ride to town. We got to talking and it turns out that the ole man of their household has taken over the hummers. Three days ago (when she texted me about the birds being back) her husband had made her stop cooking supper and demanded she make some food for the hummers. He washed the feeder (granted, it had been hanging outside all winter), dried it and set it out, filled with fresh nectar. Today he surprised me as he raced up and exclaimed, "I've got news for you Sunny! Hummingbirds are back!".
It turns out, according to the soap opera chihuahua, that the man of their household has taken over the hummer feeding situation. "He couldn't stand it! When he saw that little bird, it was drop everything!" Were her words. He heard everything I said, complained and warned them about last year. And realizing that she wasn't about to indulge in any extra work, he took over.It's going to be a good healthy year this year for my little hummer friends. I need not fret nor worry ... Still, I'm gonna check their feeders for the next few weeks. Just to see how he does. But I'm so glad it's not another "oh no" year. I haven't even told my husband this story!!! And I've been complaining about the "oh no" for weeks! I hafta share the good news. ;)
They've tried but never prevail. ;) 
Keep it a secret from him. 
"Cat-like reflex" Luckily I was right there to see and got the bird; it was fine and released. I've seen them try, but the hummers are too fast for them. The reference to the cats and birds was more about breeding season.
Christine ! 
I've never seen the nesting here so it's neat to see yours.
She doesn't waste any time at all. I bet she thinks you made that mobile especially for her to build her nest on.
quietyard said:You know Ann, I did wash it. Put new cord on it this year so the nest would be more secure. She must approve
