Hummingbirds reach Virginia

A couple of sightings of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been reported in southern Virginia but the majority of this season's migration seems to be lingering in North Carolina.

Usually hummingbirds arrive in the Lehigh Valley around "tax time"—April 15. Last year the first ones were seen on April 13. 

Make sure to place your hummingbird feeders in your backyard before the birds start to arrive. The migrating Ruby-throats will need all the nutrition they can get. You stand a better chance of attracting these little dazzlers to your backyard all summer long if you place the welcome mat out in time for their arrival.

Don't forget to clean your hummingbird feeder thoroughly before placing it outdoors. Make sure nectar ports are open.

Do you need a replacement feeder? Or would like to have additional ones for your yard? Are you new to the hobby? The Bird House offers several different models. We also offer nectar powder, which has the advantage over sugar water in that it can be used straight from the faucet, without the need for boiling.

You can report your first sighting online. Click on hummingbirds.net/map.html and complete the simple form. The website also has a great deal of information on Ruby-throats.

The area in yellow is the normal breeding range of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.