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Q: What is the best ratio of sugar-to-water to use for feeding hummingbirds?
Four parts water to one part sugar (a 4:1 ratio) has been shown to be the closest to the sucrose content of natural flower nectar. Concentrations stronger than this (3:1 ratio, and stronger) are readily consumed by hummers, but no scientific evidence exists regarding the potential helpful or harmful effects on hummingbirds.
Q: One male hummer is keeping all the other hummingbirds from visiting my feeder. How can I get him to stop being such a bully?
Many hummingbird species defend feeding territories, and assemblages at feeders usually develop hierarchies. The behavior exemplifies natural selection at work, and you should do nothing except enjoy it. If you're worried about hungry hummers, put up several more feeders near your original one. The bully will be overwhelmed by sheer numbers of other birds and will quit being so greedy.
Q: Is it true that hummingbirds at your feeder will not migrate if you don't take your feeder down?
No. This is another in a long line of bird myths. Birds are genetically programmed to migrate when their internal "clocks" tell them to do so. They will depart when the time is right whether your feeders are up or not. Leaving your feeders up in the fall and getting them up early in the spring may help early or late migrants that are passing through your area.