"Hummingbird Gardens" by Newfield and Nielsen says hummingbirds arrive here in late February or early March for their spring trek north. Setting up your feeder now is a wonderful idea.
However, hummingbirds may not visit a feeder just because you put one up. Be persistent and plant salvias, beebalm, lantana, and coral honeysuckle to attract hummers.
The drought may not be the main cause of your problems. Holly, magnolia, gardenia, azalea, and other broad-leafed evergreens shed their oldest leaves in fall and spring. Hollies are dropping old leaves, so don't worry.