Hummingbirds' needs

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (male)

Nectar is only one requirement for a hummingbird's diet. About 10 percent of its direct comes from sources of protein. 

Hummingbirds eat soft-bodied insects and spiders to gain necessary protein. A hummingbird will capture insects by a process known as "hawking," which is when a hummingbird will fly and dive to catch an insect in flight. 

We can assist the birds by hanging a banana peel near the hummingbird feeder to attract fruit flies. You should replace the banana peel every few days as it dries out.

Feeder-fighting among hummingbirds is a common concern for us. Like many birds, hummingbirds do not have the "share gene." When they find a food source, they are unwilling to share it with other hummingbirds.

Years ago the theory was to put feeders on the other side of the house so that the birds would not see each other. But that's not the newest thinking. Long-time hummingbird bander and noted author Bob Sargent says the best way to attract more hummingbirds is to put out more feeders and cluster them together. When the birds feed in a clustered area, a dominant bird cannot defend more than one feeder.

Multiple feeders mean attract multiple birds

You also can add more nectar-producing flowers to your landscape. They provide even more food sources for more birds to enjoy without arguing! 

Right now is the best time of year to buy and plant many hummingbird-friendly plants. Some of these plants will bloom in your garden this season and will come back year after year. They include red daylily, cardinal flower, bee balm, salvia and coral bells. Other flowers may take two or more years to establish. These include trumpet vine and red hot poker. Also consider annuals such as fuchsia—they bloom all summer and make great hanging baskets.

Controlling insects on hummingbird feeders is very important. Ants, wasps, bees and hornets may be attracted to the sweet nectar. They can be dangerous for hummingbirds. Some feeders are less insect-friendly than others. Saucer feeders position nectar away from the feeding port and insects are not able to reach the nectar; hummingbirds with their long tongues have no trouble.

Bleeding hearts are welcome at springtime

Ant moats keep crawling insects from accessing nectar without impeding hummingbirds from feeding. Make sure, though, that the moat remains filled with water. Perhaps add a drop of vegetable oil to slow evaporation. A full moat will prevent ants from climbing from the pole to the feeder.

Insects visit convenient food sources and are less likely to search for relocated feeders. Moving the feeder a few feet can minimize insects without discouraging the hummingbirds. 

Nectar may drip from the bird's beak onto the feeder. Each time the feeder is cleaned, make sure the outside feeding ports are cleaned as well.

You also can offer an alternate feeder if you want to keep bees in the yard out away from the hummingbird feeder. Place the division feeder, preferably a yellow cup, in an obvious sunny location with some sugar water in it.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported in the Poconos

The first sighting of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was reported in the Poconos on Friday, according to Hummingbirds.net, which monitor the progress of the birds northward each spring. The exact location isn't known, and the information couldn't be confirmed through the e-Bird reporting service. 

Have you seen a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in your backyard? Let us know!

Source: hummingbirds.net

Ruby-throated Hummingbird sighted in New Jersey

The annual springtime migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is well underway. Most of the birds are still in Virginia, but one plucky hummingbird has reached the coastal area around Atlantic County, New Jersey, despite the March 14 nor'easter that dumped plenty of snow from Virginia northward.

The snowstorm generally slowed the Ruby-throats' progress toward the Lehigh Valley. Only a handful of sightings have been reported in southern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula. 

Usually the birds arrive in Lehigh and Northampton counties around April 15.

It's hard to predict from one year to the next when Ruby-throats will reach our area. Last year the weather was unusually chilly, but even so hummingbirds were reported in southern Pennsylvania. The two previous years, 2014 and 2015, were more in keeping with their usual progress.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready to receive Ruby-throats? If you have an existing feeder, it should be cleaned thoroughly. A dirty feeder could be toxic to hummingbirds. If it has been left outdoors over the winter, or brought indoors without a complete cleaning, germs might reactivate once nectar is added.

A dirty feeder can be cleaned by hand with a solution of diluted vinegar. Use a small brush to remove particles from every crevice. (Special brushes are available at The Bird House.) Rinse thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly. Any trace of vinegar could taint the nectar.

Make plans to have your feeders in place in the next few days and have plenty of nectar available. Weather forecasters say spring-like conditions finally may return to the region this week, so you never can tell how quickly hummingbirds will appear. It would be a shame if they bypass your backyard because you haven't provided nectar for them!

Some hummingbirds will use a feeder as a way-station for their migration to their breeding sites north of here. But many will remain here for the entire summer, which will provide many days of delight as the birds flit around your backyard.

If your feeder is past its prime, or you don't want to bother cleaning it, head to The Bird House for a replacement. It's also worth having more than one feeder in your backyard. Hummingbirds are territorial. If you hope to see a number of them, you may need several feeders to prevent squabbles! Any hummingbirds that lose the battle for a single feeder might move on to another location.

Keep a sharp eye out for the hummingbirds. Let us know if you are the lucky one to be the first in our area to report a sighting!

From hummingbirds.net

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in the Lehigh Valley

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Finally! 

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been seen in the Lehigh Valley.

Last week, if you remember, Ruby-throats were seen to the north, the south, the east and the west of us. None right of them here, however. In fact the first wave of birds had been seen as far north as Cape Cod!

For the record, the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived in the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, nearly two weeks later than normal. (Usually Ruby-throats arrive in the Lehigh Valley around April 15.) Here are this week's reports:

• Two in Bethlehem on Wednesday and Thursday.
• One in New Tripoli in Lehigh County on Thursday.
• Two in Weaversville in Northampton County on Thursday.

More will be arriving in the next few weeks. Be sure your nectar feeder is clean and full!

Hummingbirds soon will be mating and nesting. The Bird House has an array of hummingbird feeders, quality easy-to-mix nectar, special nesting material, poles for hummingbird feeders and a number of other products that will help you bring these special acrobats to your backyard.

Map is from Hummingbirds.net. As you can see, the first wave of hummingbirds have reached the Canadian Maritimes!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported in Bucks County

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are about to return to the Lehigh Valley. One sighting already has been reported in Bucks County.

The expectedly cold weather hasn't slowed down the hummingbirds. Usually they arrive in Lehigh and Northampton counties around April 15. In fact, a few hardy birds already have scooted along the Atlantic coastline to reach the New England states!

The one in Bucks County was seen on April 5 near the Telford area. Two other sightings have occurred along the southern Susquehanna River valley and five reports reached Hummingbirds.net from various New Jersey locations.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready to receive the Ruby-throats? If you have an existing feeder, it should be cleaned thoroughly. A dirty feeder can be toxic to hummingbirds. Wash the feeder by hand with a solution of diluted vinegar. Rinse thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly. Any trace of vinegar might taint the nectar.

If your feeder is past its prime, head to The Bird House for a replacement. We also have  packets of nectar specifically meant for hummingbirds.

For details on how to prepare, clean and maintain hummingbird feeders, check out these tips from our blog.

And of course, make sure your feeder is filled with nectar. The hummingbirds will need energy from their long migration!

Hummingbirds are getting closer

Erratic weather conditions along the East Coast in the past few days have slowed the migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The birds have been seen in Virginia, from the Tidewater to the central part of the state.

Usually hummingbirds arrive in the Lehigh Valley around April 15. At the pace they've been going, we may see them a couple days later than that. Cool weather is expected to last for another seven days, according to AccuWeather.

In the meantime, you can prepare your nectar feeders, either by thoroughly cleaning existing ones or replacing old ones with new ones. Also don't forget to have nectar on hand when the birds do arrive. They'll need energy from their flight!

Source: Hummingbirds.net

Lehigh Valley Audubon has program on hummingbirds

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on track to arrive in the Lehigh Valley by mid-April, so there's no better time than to learn more about these diminutive and high-energy creatures than by attending a program being offered by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

"Jewels in the Garden—Fascinating Hummingbirds" will be presented on Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Wildlands Conservancy Education Center Building. The site is located on the Wildlands Conservancy at 3701 Orchard Place, off Route 29 in Emmaus. Scott Burnet will discuss these captivating birds.

The program is part of the Audubon Society's monthly meeting but the public is invited to attend. The program is a good way to become acquainted with fellow bird-watchers and to learn about the work the Audubon Society performs in the Lehigh Valley.

Ruby-throats usually arrive in the Lehigh Valley around mid-April. The latest report from the online service Hummingbirds.net indicates they are right on target this year. Of course, a lot depends on the weather. A sudden cold wave or windy weather could throw them off schedule.

According to the latest reports as of Saturday, a hummingbird has been sighted as far north as Virginia, a few miles from the North Carolina state line. Numerous sightings have occurred in the Carolinas during the past week.

Give your hummingbirds a boost

Do you have hanging baskets or planter containers? Some of your flowers may be attracting hummingbirds. But if they're not--or if you want to give hummingbirds an additional incentive to visit your plants--try this novel hummingbird feeder.

The feeder has a metal stem that you insert into the soil of the hanging basket or container garden. All you have to do is attach the bee guard, which comes with the package. Then fill the feeder with nectar.

The manufacturer recommends using nectar powder. All you have to do is add water from the tap--no boiling is necessary. Never feed hummingbirds with liquid containing red food dye or honey. It will harm them.

Cleaning the feeder is easy. Wash gently with soap and water twice a week, and then rinse before refilling. For a more thorough cleaning, use a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts tap water. Then rinse well afterward.

By the way, ideal plants for hanging baskets or containers include fuchsia, geraniums, impatiens, salvia, red or magenta petunias, nasturtium, and red or pink begonias.

New Product: Jewel Box Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbirds are sometimes referred to as Nature's "jewels" because of the iridescent beauty. The Jewel Box Window Feeder lets you watch hummingbirds close-up as they feed.

The dazzling red cover resemblers the flowers that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds savor. The high view perches allows them to sit and feed. The feeder has a generous 8-ounce capacity and three feeding ports that are engraved on the lid. Included is an optional ant moat to prevent ants from reaching the nectar. To fill the feeder, simply lift the hinged top.

The entire feeder comes apart for easy cleaning. The feeder is dishwasher safe when used on the top rack.

You can attach the Jewel Box Feeder to a window using the suction cups that are provided. But in case you'd prefer to mount it on a deck, the feeder also comes with wood screws.

One final advantage to the feeder: It's made in the United States for Songbird Essentials, a  Missouri-based distributor of birding products. The feeder comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Hints on hummingbirds

Many people who feed birds really, really want to include hummingbirds in their backyards. The most frequent question I get asked in the spring is, "Seen any hummingbirds yet?"

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is sole breeding hummingbird in the Lehigh Valley. Feeders and flowers are a great way to attract them. They can fly straight and fast but also can stop instantly, hover, adjust their position up or down, or even fly backwards. They live in open woodlands, meadows, forest edges, grasslands, parks, gardens and backyards.

Males can be distinguished by an iridescent ruby-red patch on their throats (hence the name). Females or juveniles lack this patch and have a white throat; their back is a duller green.

A male allows two females to feed

USE SEVERAL FEEDERS. Hummingbirds are very territorial. One reason is that they  must feed every 20 to 30 minutes during waking hours. That daily quantity of food is huge. They can eat double their weight in nectar every day. If we put that in human terms, a 150-pound individual would have to eat 2,900 Oreo cookies every day! 

A hummingbird protects a patch of flowers or a feeder that will supply the quantity of food required. They are especially hungry in the morning after not eating all night. Flowers produce most of their nectar at night to there is plenty of food when the hummingbird is hungriest.

With one feeder, a dominant bird will guard and chase other hummingbirds away. However, by hanging a few feeders in your backyard, one bird cannot guard them all. It gives several birds an opportunity to feed at the same time. Place a feeder 10 to 15 feet from the nearest bush in an open area that receives partial sun. During hot days, change the nectar about every three days. Feeders should be washed every time the nectar is changed.A variety of hummingbird feeders are available at The Bird House.

 


SELECT THE RIGHT FLOWERS. Plant flowers that are red, orange or pink. Select flowers that bloom at different times so the birds will stay for the full season. They have good color vision and even can see ultraviolet light, which humans cannot see. Hummingbirds have no sense of smell. Many of the flowers that they feast on likewise have little or no fragrance.

Among the flowers that hummingbirds welcome are:

• Shrubs and trees such as azalea, butterfly bush, flowering quince, red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), rhododendron (only the red Catawba variety), rose of sharon and weigela. 
• Vines such as trumpet creeper, coral honeysuckle (avoid the yellow invasive Japanese variety), scarlet runner bean (grown in this area as an annual) and red morning glory (also an annual). 
• Perennials such as anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum, sometimes called "hummingbird mint"), bee balm (Monarda), canna, cardinal flower, columbine (red varieties), coral bells, foxglove, lantana, lupine, digitalis (a variety of Penstemon) and yucca (even though it's usually not reddish). 
• Annuals such as beard tongue (another variety of Penstemon), fuchsia, hummingbird flower (Zauschneria), impatiens and red salvia.

Hummingbirds need nectar for energy but they also need protein to thrive. They eat small flying insects such as fruit flies or gnats. You can attract hummingbirds by draping a banana peel in a partly sunny area, away from your patio or deck. The tiny flies will gather and so will the hummingbirds! Another option is to hang an orange half from a tree branch using twine.

OTHER TIPS. Make your backyard more hospitable to hummingbirds. They need places to perch. Most of the time (especially during nighttime) they sit on twigs, stems and clothes lines. They cannot hop or walk. You can add perching locations by offering special perching. These are available at The Bird House.

Never use red dye to color the nectar. Some of the dyes actually are harmful to the birds. Red hummingbird feeders are sufficient. The Bird House has hummingbird nectar in powder form. All you do is add water. Alternatively you could use white sugar in a ratio of 1 part sugar:4 parts boiling water. Once cooled you fill the feeder; any left over nectar can be stored in the refrigerator.

If bees descend on your feeder, try using a feeder with a bee guard. The hummingbird can reach its beak into the guard but bees cannot. They eventually leave.

If ants are a problem, a nectar protector hung above the feeder will block the ants from getting to the feeder. Simply fill the protector with water. You can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. That should keep the water from evaporating quickly.

Female feeds her chick

You can attract even more hummingbirds to your hanging flower basket by adding a hummingbird feeder designed to hang in the basket.

NESTING. After mating, the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird doesn't participate in rearing the young. The female does all the work. She selects the nesting site, which usually is the top of a branch 10 to 40 feet above the ground. She uses thistle and dandelion seed, and bits of fiber such as cotton, and then adds stands of spider silk to hold everything together. She sometimes will decorate it with bits of lichen and moss, possibly as camouflage.

Hummingbirds have one or two broods, each with one to three eggs. The size of the egg is no more than that of a pea. The female incubates the eggs for 12 to 14 days, longer if the weather is cooler than usual. She then raises the chicks.

They're here! Hummingbirds have arrived in the Lehigh Valley

The rule of thumb is that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in the Lehigh Valley around income tax day. This year, their arrival was precise: The first Ruby-throat reported here was on April 15.

The first sighting occurred in the Easton area. The source of the information,   Hummingbirds.net, does not identify the precise location.

Some Ruby-throats have made it as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire; birds that migrate along the Atlantic coast tend to hug the shore and then dash inland to their customary breeding territories.

Are your hummingbird feeders clean and placed in your backyard? The hummingbirds will be hungry from their flight and eager to refuel. Many of these birds are migrants that eventually will travel farther north. But if you put out the welcome mat in the form of several feeders, you might entice these dazzling little creatures to remain in your neighborhood all summer long.

For tips on attracting and feeding hummingbirds, please click here to see our previous posting from last week.

The map shows locations where Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been sighted and the date when the report was submitted.

Source: Hummingbirds.net

Hummingbirds are knocking at our door

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Much to our surprise (given the erratic behavior of our weather), Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have reached well into New Jersey. One has even been seen in lower Bucks County, probably near Levittown.

At that rate of flight, we should see Ruby-throats in the Lehigh Valley within three or four days. The usual pattern is for the hummingbirds to hug the Atlantic Coast as they migrate north, then to spill inland into area such as ours.

Are your hummingbird feeders clean and placed in the yard to receive the buzzing little migrants? The hummingbirds will be hungry from their flight and will need to refuel. If you place several hummingbird feeders in your yard, you are more likely to persuade them to stay all summer long.

That's no guarantee, of course. Some hummingbirds that you see in April will visit only briefly en route to favorite breeding grounds north of us. But you'll still do them a favor by offering them a nutritious meal and overnight shelter. Maybe you'll enjoy seeing hummingbirds in action from your window or deck.


Locations of the sightings

The first sightings of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Pennsylvania were reported on the online service Hummingbirds.net within the past three days. A separate service, eBird.com (which accumulates reports of all bird species) has not confirmed the sightings of hummingbirds this far north.

The Pennsylvania sighting appears to have occurred in the Levittown area of lower Bucks County. Four sightings have been reported in New Jersey. The locations seem to be in Cape May, Gloucester, Ocean and Monmouth counties.

A sixth sighting was reported just south of the Pennsylvania border near Havre de Grace at the source of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

(A map showing the sightings appears below.)


Hummingbird feeding is essential

Sugary nectar is a high-energy food source that helps maintain hummingbird's wings beating at 53 beats per second. But it's a myth that hummingbirds consume only nectar. They also need protein, in the form of tiny springtime insects and spiders, to provide strength. The birds catch springtime insects on the fly. When the temperature reaches the 60s, you may see swarms of March flies, mayflies, midges, gnats and fruit flies flying above lawns. 

The weather has been so unpredictable lately that we never know whether the insects will be aloft. So at the very least, a source of nectar will give hummingbirds nutrition to continue their migration. Hummingbirds also will drink from sap wells drilled in trees by larger birds such as Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.

Having hummingbird feeders available helps during nighttime cold snaps in springtime. For instance, the temperature fell into the 30s by dawn this morning. When it's cold, hummingbirds have the ability to slow their metabolism, entering a deep-sleep state known as torpor. Their body temperature falls to freezing levels and their heart and breathing rates slow. Overnight they may lose 10 percent of their body weight. When the sun comes out, they revive and immediately seek food.

Offering nectar at several locations in the yard will enable them to reach the food quickly and easily. 

Attracting hummingbirds

It's a good idea to place several hummingbird feeders at widely spaced distances within your yard. These birds (both male and female) are very territorial. They'll display aggressive behavior, and sometimes the "alpha male" will drive away all other males from the feeder. They'll even chase away bumblebees.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the most inquisitive birds in the backyard. They sometimes become acquainted with human behavior, especially if the human is wearing a red shirt or jacket.

Hummingbirds don't seem to mind feeders that are located on or near windows. The Bird House has window hangers that are attached to the glass by suction cups. The hangers easily accommodate the light-weight hummingbird feeders.

The Bird House carries nectar powder. Unlike homemade sugar-based nectar, the powder does not need to be boiled. Just add tap water. Also, never use red food coloring to dye the nectar. Virtually all hummingbird feeders are red, so that suffices. Moreover, scientific studies have shown that red dye may actually harm the hummingbirds.

It's not to early to head to garden centers to choose plants that hummingbirds will enjoy this summer. Among the favorites (for hummingbirds and humans as well) are columbine, liatris, monarda, native honeysuckle (not the Japanese varieties), trumpet creeper, red morning glory and red buckeye. Many of the plants are perennials, so they will bloom in your yard year after year without care.

Source: Hummingbirds.net

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.

Hummingbirds dash through the Carolinas

In the past week, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have flown more than 350 miles, zipping through the Carolinas. The most intrepid hummingbird has reached the Lynchburg area of Virginia.

At that rate, early arrivals should be arriving in the Lehigh Valley within two weeks.

Last year Ruby-throats were reported in the Lehigh Valley on April 13. The date of sighting varies from year to year, ranging from March 29, 2008, to April 27, 1998.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready? Have they been thoroughly cleaned from last year's use? (Don't forget to clean the nectar ports.) Do you need a replacement feeder or an additional one? Would you like to try the hobby for the first time? 

The Bird House offers a variety of hummingbird feeders in different designs and price points. We also offer nectar powder. Unlike homemade sugar-based nectar, the powder does not need to be boiled. Just add tap water. Also available are specially designed hooks from which the feeders can be hung. We have nesting material specifically for hummingbirds. And we have an assortment of other accessories.

It's important to have hummingbird feeders in your backyard at the time the birds arrive. They'll be hungry from their migration. Few insects or nectar-laden flowers will be available for them. By placing hummingbird feeders out now, you may be able to entice the birds to stay in your yard all summer!

You can report your first sighting online. Click on hummingbirds.net/map.html. You'll be directed to a form that will ask you to list the month, day and location. Only male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are to be reported because they are so easily distinguishable. Several species of female hummingbirds look somewhat alike. Also, do not report sightings from previous years.

Hummingbird migration is underway

Orange denotes the range of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

What better sign of spring is news that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have made the arduous crossing of the Gulf of Mexico and have flown into America's southland.

Most of the sightings have been in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, George and Florida, but one intrepid individual has reached South Carolina already. Judging from the map, it appears that the bird arrived along the coast near Charleston on March 17.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive in the Lehigh Valley around the time you're desperately trying to finish your tax returns. Last year the Ruby-throats got here three days ahead of the April 15 tax deadline. But the date of sightings varies from year to year. The earliest reported contact in the Lehigh Valley occurred on March 29, 2008. The latest was April 27, 1998.

Why do some birds get here early and some get here late? Lanny Chambers, who operates the reporting service, said it's impossible to know and he won't speculate.

With snow having fallen on Friday, it may seem that the idea of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds visiting our backyards is premature. Not so. Again, migration is dependent upon many factors of nature not just temperature.

Are your hummingbird feeders ready? Have they been thoroughly cleaned from last year's use? Do you need a replacement or an addition? Would you like to try the hobby for the first time? The Bird House offers a variety of hummingbird feeders in different designs and price points. We also offer nectar powder. Unlike homemade sugar-based nectar, the powder does not need to be boiled. Just add tap water.

You can report your first sighting online. Click on hummingbirds.net/map.html. You'll be directed to a form that will ask you to list the month, day and location. Only male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are to be reported because they are so easily distinguishable. Several species of female hummingbirds look somewhat alike. Also, do not report sightings from previous years.

Lanny Chambers, of St. Louis, began the reporting service in 1996. A dedicated hummingbird enthusiast, his project is truly a labor of love.

Should I continue feeding hummingbirds?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive in the Lehigh Valley in April and begin their long journey south in August and September. Most of the adults you've seen in your backyards have left by now. The juveniles stay around for a while longer, usually until the end of the month.

The hummingbirds that were hatched this summer do not have a memory of past migrations. Their chief concern is to put on weight, which they may still be doing.

They'll need a good deal of energy to make the trip south. For the newbies, this journey will be one of exploration. They'll need to determine how far to fly and in what direction. Then they'll have to find a suitable place for the winter.

Don't stop refilling your hummingbird feeder yet. Birders in the Lehigh Valley continue to report hummingbird sightings as recently as this week. Keep in mind that there will be stragglers. They'll need the energy the nectar provides.

Providing nectar at this time of year will not encourage the birds to remain here. Nature tells them when to leave. The urge to migrate is triggered by the shortening length of sunlight; it has nothing to do with the abundance of food. You can keep your feeder filled with nectar for another two or three weeks yet.

Lehigh Valley bird sightings for Aug. 29

Can you identify this Selasphorus hummingbird?

One of the birds listed in this week's Lehigh Valley bird sightings isn't actually a specific bird species. It's been identified as a "Selasphorus" hummingbird, a catchall term that includes seven different species, each of them remarkably similar.

"Members of the genus Selasphorus are infamous for being incredibly difficult when not impossible to identify, especially the females and juveniles," writes John F. Garrett, who has written a primer on the subject for the American Birding Association.

The local sighting of the Selasphorus hummingbird occurred in Williams Township, Northampton County, on August 24.

Virtually all of the hummingbirds we see in the Lehigh Valley are vicinity are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris). The males in particular are easy to identify by a ruby-red patch on their throats and green upperparts. The females have green underparts that are whitish and indistinct. The juveniles look similar the females. Adult Ruby-throats are about 3 inches long. They tend to shuttle back and forth between flowers on a horizontal plane and with tail spread.

While most hummingbirds are geographically separated from one another, their migratory routes and other factors sometimes bring them into areas where they are not seen regularly.  

For instance, Rufous Hummingbirds usually live in the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountain states. However, one spent time at a feeder in Allentown early last winter. Suddenly it disappeared. It's not known whether it moved on or didn't survive as the winter grew harsher. Rufous Hummingbirds are better able to take the cold than Ruby-throats, which by late September migrate southward for the winter.

If you run across an unusual hummingbird, it's likely to be a Rufous ("rufous" refers to the reddish brown color). The other possibilities are the Broad-tailed, Anna's, Scintillant, Glow-throated, Calliope and the ominous sounding Volcano. 

You can identify a species of Selasphorus hummingbird on the basis of size, appearance and behavior.

If you need advice, consult Garrett's identification guide or Hummingbirds.com.

With that said, back to the rest of this week's bird sightings. The list was provided by Dave DeReamus, of the Eastern Pennsylvania Birdline, a project sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society.

Lake Minsi, Northampton County
Common Loon, 1 through August 22.

Plainfield Township, Northampton County
Blue-winged Teal, 1 on August 28.
Green-winged Teal, 1 on August 28.

Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County
(at the Gremar Road retention ponds)
Ruddy Duck, 1 on August 22.


Bethlehem, Northampton County
Peregrine Falcon, 1 on August 24 at its nest site.

Moore Township, Northampton County
Olive-sided Flycatcher, 1 on August 20.

Leaser Lake, Lehigh County
Black-crowned Night-Heron, 3 on August 23; 2 to at least August 27.

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County
Bald Eagle, 12 on August 24.
Also seen: Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Wilson's Warbler.

Heidelberg Township, Berks County
Tundra Swan, 1 on August 24 along Bake Oven Road.

State Game Lands 157, Bucks County
(on Haycock Mountain)
Red-headed Woodpecker, 4 on August 24; 5 on August 26; 3 on August 27.

Peace Valley Park, Bucks County
Prothonotary Warbler, 1 on August 26.

To report bird sightings to Dave DeReamus, send an e-mail to becard@rcn.com with the word "Birdline" in the subject heading.

Answer to today's quiz: The hummingbird pictured above is a female Rufous Hummingbird.

How do I attract hummingbirds to my yard?

Providing nectar for hungry hummingbirds isn't difficult, but it's too easy to make a mistake or overlook an important detail. You might wish to review these tips to ensure that you are offering your birds the safest and most nutritious food possible.

Don't overdo the sugar content.
The classic recipe for hummingbird nectar is one part of white granulated table sugar to four parts of water. Overly weak nectar may not attract hummingbirds. Overly strong nectar may ferment quicker and clog feeders more easily. 

Boil or no boil?
If you make nectar using white table sugar, you must boil the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the sugar. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before placing it in the feeder. The Bird House has packets of pure, powdered sucrose that do not require boiling. You may find them more convenient to use.

Make only as nectar as you'll need.

Safe and no boiling required

If you make lots of nectar all at once, you'll may find the last portion is going bad. Don't use more nectar than you'll need within one week. Refrigerate any leftover nectar so it doesn't spoil.

Change the nectar regularly.
At a minimum, nectar should be changed every three or four days. Change it more frequently during periods of hot, sunny weather. Direct sunlight ferments nectar quickly. If possible, locate your feeder in the shade or partial shade. Be consistent. An empty feeder will cause hummingbirds to search elsewhere for food and they may not return.

Use the right form of sugar.
White table sugar consists of sucrose, the main form of sugar that hummingbirds seek. No-boil sucrose products work equally well. But other sugars should not be used. NEVER use these products:

• Powered sugar, which contains anti-caking agents. 
• Brown or brownish sugar. It contains iron, which can build up over time to lethal levels in hummingbirds' bodies.
• High-fructose corn syrup or anything containing high-fructose corn syrup (that's sound medical advice for humans, too).
• Synthetic sugar substitutes or sweeteners. The chemicals are dangerous to hummingbirds.
• Honey. It's a natural food, but useful mostly to honeybees. Diluted honey will produce microbes that are harmful to hummingbirds.
• Molasses. Again, iron is a problem.
• Natural flavorings. Some manufactured hummingbird nectars have strawberry flavoring. The flavoring is useless in attracting the birds. Hummingbirds don't use smell in locating nectar. The strawberry taste and scent appeals mainly to humans. 
• Jell-O. It is mostly gelatin, which quickly becomes home to microbes that can kill hummingbirds.
• Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, Gatorade or sports drinks. They contain chemicals harmful to hummingbirds.
• Carbonated or alcoholic beverages of any kind.
• Fruit juices, beet juice or vegetable juice.
• Lemonade. It may seem sweet to humans but actually it is concentrated acid that will harm the hummingbirds.

To underscore: The sweets listed above should never be used in hummingbird feeders.

Never use red dye.
Hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers; the color of the nectar is immaterial. Adding red food coloring to nectar may harm hummingbirds. Research on rats shows the dye causes DNA damage in the colon. By body weight, hummingbirds consume more dye than rats. Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that red dyes cause higher mortality and greater deformity of beaks. The science isn't conclusive, but do you want to take the risk? 

This brush is great for cleaning tight spaces

Don't neglect your feeder.
A dirty feeder with contaminated nectar can be toxic to hummingbirds. Promptly discard cloudy or milky nectar or liquid that shows dark specks. These are signs of toxicity. To prevent a recurrence, clean and sterilize the feeder before refilling it. 

Clean your feeder regularly.
Attracting hummingbirds with feeders brings with it some responsibility on your hart. Even a feeder that draws hummingbirds needs regular cleaning. You can wash the feeder by hand with a solution of diluted vinegar. Rinse thoroughly. To make hand-cleaning easier, use a brush specifically sized for hummingbird feeders. (The brushes are available at The Bird House.) You may be able to sanitize hummingbird feeders by placing them in your dishwasher. Consult your instruction manual first. Never use harsh cleaning products that are meant for the household.

This "moat" blocks ants from reaching the feeder

Don't let ants take over the feeder.
Sugar water is attractive not only to hummingbirds but also to ants. Hummingbirds can feed around them, but a feeder that is crowded with ants becomes contaminated more quickly. You can keep ants away by adding an "ant moat." These are cups that you fill with water. The water blocks the ants from reaching the feeder. (Ant moats are available at The Bird House.)

Use a red ribbon as an attraction.
If you live in an area where hummingbirds have been seen, but they haven't visited your backyard yet, try adding a bright red ribbon to your feeder. Sometimes the color and the movement will get the birds' attention, especially if the feeder is a new one.

Use multiple feeders if necessary.
Hummingbirds sometimes are territorial. You may find that one hummingbird claims the feeder as his own and shooes away all others. You can provide nectar for everybody by adding two or three feeders. Place them far enough apart that the birds don't notice the others feeding.

Avoid using pesticides.
You may enjoy bug-free and weed-free lawns and gardens, but you're not helping nature at all. Hummingbirds are hyperactive creatures whose metabolisms are fueled by naturally concentrated sugar sources, primarily nectar from flowers and feeders. However, the nectar isn't the birds' real food. It merely serves as the fuel that enables hummingbirds to obtain their main nutritional goal: protein. The birds obtain protein by feeding on tiny insects, which the birds catch on the fly. If you spray your yard with pesticides, you'll kill the insects that the hummingbirds need for nutrition. The birds may move elsewhere even if you offer them several feeders.

Fuchsia is an ideal choice for hanging baskets

Consider adding flowers: the natural nectar.
Flowers are a great natural food source that complement feeders. If you have the opportunity, consider planting flowers that attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden. Even a few hanging baskets of plants will work. It's not uncommon to see hummingbirds zipping about fuchsia, lantana and red petunia that are hung from porches or decks. It's a great way to see the birds up close.   In the garden, most any red flower is a dinner bell for hummingbirds. Among their favorites: bee balm, red hot poker, cardinal flower and columbine. Long-blooming flowers include salvia, butterfly bushes, and purple or red coneflower. Check your garden center. These plants probably are still available for sale.