Sightings of hummingbirds are more frequent this summer, though I cannot tell if one makes multiple appearances or if their numbers are greatly increased. I see slight differences in size, I think, so I presume there are more than one, and from only occasional sightings in prior years hummingbirds are now seen on the patio beside the koi pond and outside the kitchen window quite often.
I have not planted specifically for hummingbirds (and do not have a dedicated feeder), and I’ve been most surprised that they are attracted to a tall flowering stalk of one of the mangaves (above) in a container on the stone patio beside the koi pond. Today the flowers are nearly faded, but in recent weeks hummingbirds visit the conical blooms every few minutes. The seven or eight foot flowering stalk is tall enough that typically skittish hummingbirds feel safe in their approach even as I sit a few feet from the container.
Just outside the kitchen window, a hyacinth bean vine (above) scrambles over a clematis that covers the deck railing. The shape of the flower is not typical of ones hummingbirds are attracted to, so I’m surprised to see them just outside the kitchen window so frequently.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
We have more hummingbirds than usual this year too. I do have a feeder, and they visit all the time! I also have a hyacinth bean vine, which they love, and scarlet runner bean vines, as well as an actual “hummingbird vine” (cypress vine, or ipomea) for the first time.
The hyacinth bean is so easy that I consider growing more annual vines, but I also have a hankering for more clematis to scramble through shrubs.
I love morning glories and moonflowers, but haven’t grown them in years. Maybe it’s time …
Here in Fairfax County I read that hummingbirds have been scarce because of the cicadas. They possibly seemed on the rise in other areas because they migrated from the cicada infested areas.
Perhaps that is the reason for the increase, though I have not seen more than one at a time.
How lovely. I usually have one hummingbird that visits my black-and-blue salvia, and this year I grew cardinal climber hoping to attract more- or at least feed my one visitor better. I did get some closer glimpses of it at the cardinal vine, but hope to see it more next year when I have more flowers.
I was tempted by a Blue By You salvia a few days ago, but I couldn’t figure a place with enough sun. I’ve planted several agastache this year in sunny spaces where they could be crammed in.
That hummingbird pic is lovely, & I’m even more interested in that it doesn’t resemble any of the female Ruby-throats I’ve ever seen & wonder if it’s another species not frequently seen around here. That black eye-stripe/mask is normally not that strong in Ruby-throats.
I say that someday I’ll work on my bird ID, but exploring plants in the nearby mountains and adding new plants to the garden seems enough at the moment to satisfy my curiosity.