It never fails if I am in the backyard or on my deck without my camera with the white lens the hummers scatter. When I don't have my camera they act tame and hang around pisses me off
Leave the tripods, lights, stands, etc. set up and they will get used to them. After a while you can have the hummers perching on your hand. You don't need to camouflage the lens. I have used the 300/4 IS on FF Canon bodies with fine results, so the lens is fairly close. A Wimberly or Sidekick is useful.
I've noticed that I can easily hide behind my 500 on a tripod haha. Birds can't see my face so they don't know I'm there as far as I can tell.
A good thing to do is to just set up a chair where they hang out most and sit there waiting. They'll get used to you in no time. I've also stood about 1 foot away from the hummingbird feeder while they came to drink. If you stand still for 5-10 minutes while they come in they'll get over your presence.
I agree with John... they need to get used to your presence. I shoot my group of hummingbirds 5-8 feet away without issues. Never had my gear spook them. The shutter will make them scatter but they return without hesitation a few minutes later.
Let them get used to you being around and not being a threat. From there avoid any quick movements and enjoy the show.
I've found the better service at the bar (feeder) the more likely they are to not care if I'm around. They do get loud when the feeder runs dry. Our year around Annas pretty much ignore us so long as we don't move fast or make a lot of noise.
Nice shot Tony! He seems to be getting the full spa treatment.
I have used many different lenses, and in all seriousness, yes, the big whites seem to spook them more. they do get used to you if you hang out there frequently. I have used the 70-200 (both 2.8 II an 4 IS), 100-400, even 85 1.2, on a host of bodies, crop and full frame, but have to say one of my favorites is the cheap 55-250 IS on a crop body. hands dont get tired. I can use a touch of fill flash if I want, and the birds would allow me to get very very close to them. at f8, which where I usually shoot, the image quality is quite good.
Shooting hummers with the silent shutter works out well for me...even with them used to me, the sound of the shutter, White lens(300 F4 w/tube), would always spoke them to "jerk"...in turn I will miss the shot. Yes, true they do return, and with each return they seem to settle in...takes time. Using silent shutter really me helps a lot!
pisses me off 
