Hummingbirds set to arrive in Pennsylvania soon, brighten home life

Harrisburg, PA — In the coming days and weeks, exotic travelers will be pouring into Pennsylvania, bringing some joy with them amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive in the sate right around May 1, but in early springs such as this year's, there are usually some early arrivals.

One of PA's surest signs that spring is upon us, the Game Commission says that hummingbirds create no harm to the state's ecological system and are welcomed guests.

Their presence is sure to make almost every homeowner more comfortable, even under the current stay-at-home orders.

The Game Commission says that hummingbirds arrival is tied to the availability of food such as nectar, small insects and what many of them depend upon most, artificial feeders.

“A lot of hummingbirds return and immediately look for the feeder that they used in the past,” noted Joe Kosack, a Game Commission education specialist. “Typically, they’re the males that will try to take over the feeder, terrorizing other males that approach it. Females, however, are welcomed company.”

Hummingbirds typically nest in PA in the spring each year, and you can track their migrations in North America at HummingBirdCentral.com

The Game Commission says that having a feeder out earlier than others is one of the best ways you can pull in the early-birds. If you want to keep them, officials say you should make sure you offer some natural sources of food.

There are a large variety of plants that will attract the birds, such as: coralbells, salvia, trumpeter vine, honeysuckle or other plants that offer tubular flowers. The birds also are fond of mimosa, but the invasive tree/shrub can be tough on native species.

Feeders have become very popular, the Game Commission says, because they are inexpensive, readily accessible and a decorative way to dress up a porch.

To learn more on how to care for hummingbirds, click here.

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