As the lush greens of spring take over the rolling hills of Southeastern Pennsylvania, two of our most vibrant summer residents have officially returned. The **Ruby-throated Hummingbird** and the **Baltimore Oriole** are back from their winter vacations in Central America, bringing a flash of iridescent green and fiery orange to our backyards.

If you’re living in the Philly suburbs, the Lehigh Valley, or the Lancaster countryside, here is everything you need to know to host these spectacular avian guests.

 

The Arrival: When to Look Up

In Pennsylvania, the "scouts" usually arrive in late April, but early to mid-May is when the migration hits its peak.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: These tiny dynamos (weighing less than a nickel!) are often spotted as early as April 15th.
Baltimore Orioles: Known for their flute-like song, they typically follow just a few days behind the hummers.

 

Setting the Table: What to Feed

Both species have a serious sweet tooth, but they prefer their sugar served in different ways.

For the Hummingbirds: The Nectar

Forget the red dye—it’s unnecessary and potentially harmful. The best recipe is the one that mimics flower nectar:

The Ratio: 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar.
The Method: Boil the water to help the sugar dissolve and to kill any bacteria, then let it cool completely before filling your feeder.
Pro Tip: Clean your feeders every 2–3 days. In the humid PA summer heat, sugar water can ferment or grow mold quickly, which is toxic to birds.

For the Orioles: The "Fruit Buffet"

Orioles are larger and cannot hover like hummingbirds, so they need feeders with sturdy perches.

Oranges: Slice an orange in half and spike it onto a feeder or a branch. The bright orange color acts as a neon sign for them.
Grape Jelly: Serve a small amount of grape jelly in a shallow dish. Look for brands without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
Nectar: Orioles will also drink nectar, often from the same 4:1 mix as hummingbirds, provided the feeder ports are large enough for their beaks.

 

Three Tips for PA Backyard Success

1. Water is Key: Both species love a bath. A "mister" or a very shallow birdbath with moving water (using a "wiggler" or small pump) will attract them far better than stagnant water.
2. Avoid Pesticides: While they love sugar, both birds rely on **insects** for protein—especially when feeding their young. Hummingbirds eat tiny gnats and spiders, while Orioles hunt for caterpillars. Pesticides eliminate their primary food source.
3. The "Orange" Factor: If you’re having trouble attracting Orioles, try hanging something bright orange (like a ribbon or the feeder itself) near a high branch. They tend to stay higher in the canopy than hummingbirds.

 

Native Landscaping: The Natural Approach

While feeders are great, nothing beats a natural habitat. Southeastern PA's climate (Zone 6b/7a) is perfect for several native plants that these birds evolved with.