A wasp seen on the left flies away as two bumble bees fight to get at the nectar which has been poured into a hummingbird feeder.

We are told that feeders should be cleaned once a week so that our hummer friends will not be harmed by mold, bacteria or germs.

Pure white table sugar is the safest option for making your own nectar, avoiding brown sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners. A favorite recipe is two cups water plus 1/2-cup sugar boiled and cooled.

Feeders are best placed in the shade, to slow algae growth and keep the nectar fresh longer.

Placing the feeder outside a window makes it easy to see and enjoy — and photograph the hummers when they arrive.