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One of the greatest joys of spring for many comes from wildlife, which livens up Pennsylvania's outdoors each year. Perhaps no sight is more beloved than fast-flying hummingbirds visiting your feeders as they migrate north.
Here's what you need to know as hummingbirds get set to return to Pennsylvania.
When will
they appear?
While many kinds of hummingbirds migrate throughout the U.S. each year, no species is more common in eastern states than the ruby-throated hummingbird, which doubles as Pennsylvania's smallest bird.
More than 330 species of hummingbirds live in North and South America, but just about 16 species are regularly spotted in the U.S., according to Penn State Extension, a university organization dedicated to providing science-based information and educational materials. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species found primarily east of the Mississippi River.
Hummingbirds typically begin migrating in late January and gradually make their way north after spending the winter in Central America and Mexico. While the trip is long, hummingbirds can migrate quickly thanks to their hearts and wings that respectively beat up to 1,260 times per minute and flap between 15 and 80 times per second. Research indicates some hummingbirds can travel as far as 23 miles each day when migrating.
Hummingbird Central expects ruby-throated hummingbirds to begin appearing in southern Pennsylvania around mid-April, though early arrivals could be spotted by the beginning of the month.
Pennsylvania residents who hope to attract hummingbirds should get prepared as soon as possible this spring to ensure the fast-flapping friends don't gloss over their feeders.
Best feeder
practices
The best and perhaps the most simple way to attract hummingbirds to your home is through the installation and maintenance of a feeder.
Penn State Extension experts recommend placing your feeder outside once flowers first start to come up each year. You can leave yours out throughout the spring, summer and early fall until the hummingbirds migrate south again.
Red-colored feeders are suggested since they attract hummingbirds, who are thought to associate red flowers with high-quality nectar, according to the National Audubon Society. Nectar provided by feeders acts as a supplemental source for hummingbirds when blooming flowers are not available.
Special food is not required for your feeder. Instead, experts recommend filling your feeder with a one to four solution of refined white sugar to tap water (or a quarter cup of sugar in one cup of water, for example). After mixing, bring the solution to a boil and let it cool before filling your feeder. If you make a bigger batch, refrigerate the extra solution and make sure to bring it up to room temperature before you re-fill your feeder, the National Audubon Society advises.
It's important to skip artificial sweeteners, honey and brown sugar in your nectar mix, as additional ingredients can harm the birds. Food coloring and store-bought solutions can also cause adverse effects and should be avoided.
Penn State Extension recommends replacing your feeder's sugar solution at least once every five days to ensure your nectar does not spoil. Be sure to clean the feeder before adding a new supply. Cleaning is best done by washing the feeder with soap or using a weak bleach solution to sterilize it. Vinegar is a fine cleaning medium, but be sure to rinse thoroughly with hot water to make sure it is fully removed after washing.
Feeders full of a sugar-based solution may attract other wildlife and insects, including bees, ants and wasps. If non-hummingbird visitors become a problem, experts say it may be wise to invest in a feeder with a "bee guard" on its openings. Such a device allows a hummingbird's long bill to reach nectar without providing as direct an opening for other critters.
You could also consider using cooking oil, petroleum jelly or mineral oil on the outside of the feeder to help prevent insects from landing on surfaces or walking near openings, Penn State Extension says.
Attracting them
to your home
While feeders are critical, homeowners can take other steps to attract hummingbirds to their homes. Common steps include planting a hummingbird-friendly garden and constructing perches for birds.
The National Audubon Society maintains an online plant database that can show which native plants near your home may help attract certain birds. Visit audubon.org/native-plants and enter your email address and zip code to browse.
The best options are generally those native to your area that have bright colors and produce ample amounts of nectar for hummingbirds, the organization says.
Cultivating a hummingbird-friendly yard is key for those who hope to see the birds each year. Hummingbirds are said to have a strong memory and will often return to feeding stations each year if nectar is readily available, according to environmental site Journey North.