Hummingbirds prefer plants over feeders?

I usually put out hummingbird feeders in a couple of different locations around my yard, but for some reason this year, they are ignoring the feeders and only feeding from my plants (see list below). I've tried changing the type of nectar, and cleaning them out every couple of days, but they still don't seem to want to eat from the feeders. Wonder why?

The plants are: Bottlebrush, Dallas Red Lantana, Mexican Cigar plant, Red cannas, Mexican Sunflower, Pentas, Firebush, and white cat's whiskers. The Mexican Cigar plant by far is their favorite, and they will sit in my Chinese Elm, waiting to run the others off. I've seen 8-10 hummers at a time, circling the huge bottlebrush I have by my garage doors.

From the things I've read, the hummers are supposed to go for the plants first and then the feeders. Mine are backwards though -- feeders, then plants. Go figure. Maybe it's a matter of taste? :) Great that you have all those plants the hummers like, though!!

Hi Happytail, yes the hummers love those plants, you are covered!!!! I am ill, so have not been able to put out the feeders and believe me they are sucking the nectar from my red bottlebrushes, lantana, hummingbird bushes(hamelia patens), turks cap, lilies, honeysuckle, firespike, salvias, and passionvines. It is a blast watching them and listening to them. Enjoy your hummers!!!
Rose_petalzz(Ruby)

Yes, you have quite a list of HB plants there, and no wonder they are ignoring your feeders! Of course, maybe your feeders aren't their favorites? Also, I noticed when a bee gets stuck in mine the HBs tend to ignore it until I get it fixed...

But generally at our house the feeders are the most popular and the HBs seem to have ignored all the flowers I dutifully planted for them--- ah, well...we do have lots of HBs, though, so I am happy about that!

I've only seen heavy use of the feeders when its close to migration time.

Well, I'm glad to know that they do sometimes ignore feeders. I was afraid I was doing something wrong. Maybe the plants are just more appealing to them.

Tabasco,
What kind of feeders do you have (like, brand, shape, etc.) I have a little flat disc looking from Droll Yankees, and the bottle type, and then one that is stuck to my large window, that I can sit inside and watch them. I also have one of those decorative glass ones, but haven't had it out for very long. Maybe they'll like it after they get used to it.

Thanks so much for replies;

My feeders sound about the same as yours...perky pet, droll yankee, and some 'off the rack' at Home Depot.

I do love my little window feeder, too . Aren't they fun? I especially love it when our relatives and friends come over (who haven't seen an HB up close) notice it! A great conversation piece with the nieces and nephews...

I think you just have some wonderful nectar-y flowers that they can't resist!

I would think if you have their favorite flowers they might ignore the feeders. Mine use the feeders, but they like the flowers, too. I have a feeder hanging with a fuschia. Some will spend more time on the plant and some go right to the feeder. I don't have any feeders in my front yard and I see them there when the hostas bloom.

I just love the window feeder, too. I have to admit, when I was on vacation and wanted to get some good pics, I didn't fill the other feeders for a day or 2. The window feeder was really busy and I could just sit by the window and wait with the camera.

gram

Well, LOL, I researched and planted favorite HB plants for Ohio up the yazoo and yet seldom saw any HBs nectaring at my HB garden (only my feeders)--yet this morning when I looked out the window I saw an HB dutifully going around to all of my day-old daylily blooms that I didn't dead head yesterday! Go figure.