By SEAN ADAMS

pennlive.com

HARRISBURG (TNS) — As spring begins in Pennsylvania, it means that migration will bring hummingbirds to the region.

“Ruby-throats arrive in Pennsylvania in late April and May, with males preceding females by a week or two,” states the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. “The timing of arrival seems to coincide with the blooming of wild columbine, but the availability of flying insects and flowing sap are probably important also.”

If you’re hoping to spot some of the tiny birds as they travel, then Hummingbird Central may be of some use.

The website’s Spring 2025 Hummingbird Sightings and Migration Map shows where sightings of the birds have been made so far this season, and several have already been spotted throughout south-central Pennsylvania.

Sightings have also been made to the west, toward Pittsburgh, as well as many to the east around Philadelphia, Allentown and as far north as Scranton.

“During migration, a hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, and its wings flap 15 to 80 times a second,” the website states. “To support this high energy level, a hummingbird will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before they start migration in order to make the long trek over land, and water. They fly alone, often on the same path they have flown earlier in their life.”

The Pennsylvania Game Commission website states that male hummingbirds can be very territorial toward other hummingbirds, but “if food sources are abundant, only 50 feet may separate two males.”

To that end, bird watchers may want to peruse the hummingbird feeders available through the Hummingbird Central website.

And the timing couldn’t be better for bird watchers in and around Harrisburg, as the city was officially named a Bird Town.

The distinction comes from Bird Town Pennsylvania, a statewide conservation effort.

“Harrisburg now joins a growing network of 78 municipalities across the Commonwealth working to protect birds, support native habitats, and encourage eco-friendly practices at the community level,” reads a press release.

The goal of the initiative is to restore habitats for birds by encouraging local wildlife and removing invasive plants, reduce pesticide use, manage storm water and other environmental stewardship practices.

And according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website, the hummingbirds need the help, as “urbanization is robbing the hummingbirds of habitat in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.”

“Creating and maintaining islands of wooded habitat in the urban and suburban sprawl that are attractive to this and other popular backyard, thicket, and forest birds is important,“ the commission’s website reads. ”Gardening birdwatchers should be advised of what native plant species they can provide for hummingbirds on their own property.”

For more information on conservation efforts and maintaining bird-friendly spaces, visit the Bird Town Pennsylvania website.