There is nothing more enchanting than watching Hummingbirds feed and frolic. Getting started in the Northeastern part of the country only depends on when the weather decides to warm consistently. This year my feeders went out the first of April and that is because for the past three years that I have lived here, the birds have been fed.  They are accustomed to being fed, so when the first males appeared I was on the screened porch, the male hovered at the screen, facing me as if to say,"have you forgotten something, where is my dinner?" My suggestion to all is to purchase one feeder at first.  There is no need to buy the prepared nectar, you can make it much cheaper at home: Boil 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of sugar, let it cool. I put the nectar in a jar and then refrigerate until cool. (In the heat of summer the birds seem to enjoy the cold nectar).  In the beginning for about 1 month, I will add several drops of red food coloring, which helps them to find the feeder after that the red coloring is not necessary but no harm in using for appearance sake if you would like.  There are stages when the birds will feed more heavier than others.  It is important to keep the feeders filled during these times. The hummingbirds will depend on those feeders,and when empty will search out food elsewhere. When it rains, you will notice an increase in feeding almost a frenzy.  This is highly entertaining for my husband and I, we love to sit on the porch and watch the antics of these marvelous little birds. Stores also sell a suction-cup feeder which can be put on a window, no need to worry they are not frightened by the sight of you. It is best not to put feeders to close together, some distance or around a corner is best. I have one hanging from my porch, another is 50 feet away on a shepard's hook in my garden, and another is suctioned in the front of my home to the guest bedroom window.  This provides my over-night guests with back to nature delight. The male hummingbird is dominant and will chase others from the feeder. There is a male this year that has set up his hiding area in a big oak tree nearby the porch feeder, he swarms down on top of the others as they try to feed, but some are relentless and eventually get a few gulps in before he can reach them. It is September now and I have noticed a decline in the need to fill the feeders, this may be that the males have gone to set up house in warmer locations, they will then return for the rest of the family and at that time will feed heavily again so as to store up energy for the trip down south. Once I no longer see my little friends at all I will take the feeders down and wash them in hot soapy water with 1/4 cup of bleach to disinfect them. I will dry, and put them away until the birds return in the spring. These feeders must be kept clean each time they are filled you must wash them thoroughly with the hot soapy water, remember to rinse well. Enjoy your hummingbirds as I have enjoyed mine they are worth the work, just make sure the feeders are placed where you can easily view then throughout the day to get the maximum pleasure of bird watching.