Are you in need of happy news today? Here’s some: hummingbirds are heading our way! The ruby throated hummingbird has begun its migratory trek north from the Gulf of Mexico, and should be passing through West Virginia in droves. When will hummingbirds arrive in West Virginia? They fly by in April, so get your feeders (and flowers) ready!
There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds in the Western Hemisphere, but we don’t see many of them here in West Virginia.
Kevin Long/Flickr Only 20 or so of those 300 species are present in the United States, and most of them limit their range to the far southern states.
Only one species of hummingbird passes through West Virginia, and then only during its migration between the Eastern US/Canada and the Gulf of Mexico each spring and fall.
likeaduck/flickr
That species is the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Bill Damon/Flickr
Male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a red throat, but females are less brightly colored.
Harrison Haines/Pexels
These hummingbirds are set to pass through West Virginia in April on their way north (and then again in the fall, heading the other direction).
Andrew Russell/Flickr
How can you help these birds as they make their long journey?
Sandy Chase/Flickr
Hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers, eat small insects typically associated with flowers and weeds, and feed from backyard hummingbird feeders.
C. L. Ricketson/Flickr
You can keep a feeder full of a fresh, clear sugar-water mixture (1 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar) or scatter hummingbird-friendly flowers like columbine, trumpet vine, petunias, and bee-balm throughout your flower beds.
KSI Photography/Flickr Change the sugar-water in your feeders regularly to help keep bacteria from forming, and do not use any red dye in the water. Once you start filling your feeder, keep it full through the migratory season.
We hope you enjoy watching these plucky little birds! They can fly at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, with 75 wing-beats per second, and they are the only bird that can fly backward. I can’t wait to admire them this spring!
Kevin Long/Flickr
Only 20 or so of those 300 species are present in the United States, and most of them limit their range to the far southern states.
likeaduck/flickr
Bill Damon/Flickr
Harrison Haines/Pexels
Andrew Russell/Flickr
Sandy Chase/Flickr
C. L. Ricketson/Flickr
KSI Photography/Flickr
Change the sugar-water in your feeders regularly to help keep bacteria from forming, and do not use any red dye in the water. Once you start filling your feeder, keep it full through the migratory season.
Butterflies also pass through West Virginia at certain times of the year, so be on the lookout for them as well!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
when will hummingbirds arrive in West Virginia February 28, 2021 Kim Magaraci What are the best hiking trails in West Virginia during spring? Waterfalls are at their most powerful in the spring, when the snowmelt runs down from the mountains. The Valley Falls Trail is a must-do when the weather warms up! The trail follows the Tygart River, and you’ll get a great view of the falls on this 4 mile loop. Another springtime favorite is the Long Point Trail to Summersville Lake. This is a flat forest trail and you’ll end up at Long Point, which is a great spot for a picinc. If you’re looking for a great wildflower hike, visit Table Rock. The trail is just about 2.3 miles long, and it’s an easy one with a beautiful view. What are the best spring day trips in West Virginia? When the weather first begins to warm up, head to Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, in Ceredo. This iconic seasonal shop makes the best cones in the state! For some outdoor fun, visit the Rose Garden in Ritter Park, in Huntington. It’s one of the best rose gardens in the whole country and features more than 3,000 blooms. It’s in full bloom starting in May. Visit Berkley Springs for a wonderful spring day trip, where you can enjoy the warm springs and a charming town. Does West Virginia have any natural wonders? WV is home to dozens of beautiful natural wonders, and many of them are frequently overlooked. Sure, everyone knows about Berkley Springs’ warm springs, which make for a fascinating day trip destination, but did you know about the Ice Mountain? This Hampshire County destination is a natural ice box! The vents blast the mountain with frozen air all year long, and you’ll find ice on the rocks even in the middle of a summertime heatwave. Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg showcases the largest stalactite in the country, the Snowy Chandelier. Of course, you can’t forget the New River Gorge, which was just recently recognized by the National Park Service.
The OIYS Visitor Center
when will hummingbirds arrive in West Virginia
February 28, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What are the best hiking trails in West Virginia during spring? Waterfalls are at their most powerful in the spring, when the snowmelt runs down from the mountains. The Valley Falls Trail is a must-do when the weather warms up! The trail follows the Tygart River, and you’ll get a great view of the falls on this 4 mile loop. Another springtime favorite is the Long Point Trail to Summersville Lake. This is a flat forest trail and you’ll end up at Long Point, which is a great spot for a picinc. If you’re looking for a great wildflower hike, visit Table Rock. The trail is just about 2.3 miles long, and it’s an easy one with a beautiful view. What are the best spring day trips in West Virginia? When the weather first begins to warm up, head to Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, in Ceredo. This iconic seasonal shop makes the best cones in the state! For some outdoor fun, visit the Rose Garden in Ritter Park, in Huntington. It’s one of the best rose gardens in the whole country and features more than 3,000 blooms. It’s in full bloom starting in May. Visit Berkley Springs for a wonderful spring day trip, where you can enjoy the warm springs and a charming town. Does West Virginia have any natural wonders? WV is home to dozens of beautiful natural wonders, and many of them are frequently overlooked. Sure, everyone knows about Berkley Springs’ warm springs, which make for a fascinating day trip destination, but did you know about the Ice Mountain? This Hampshire County destination is a natural ice box! The vents blast the mountain with frozen air all year long, and you’ll find ice on the rocks even in the middle of a summertime heatwave. Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg showcases the largest stalactite in the country, the Snowy Chandelier. Of course, you can’t forget the New River Gorge, which was just recently recognized by the National Park Service.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls are at their most powerful in the spring, when the snowmelt runs down from the mountains. The Valley Falls Trail is a must-do when the weather warms up! The trail follows the Tygart River, and you’ll get a great view of the falls on this 4 mile loop. Another springtime favorite is the Long Point Trail to Summersville Lake. This is a flat forest trail and you’ll end up at Long Point, which is a great spot for a picinc. If you’re looking for a great wildflower hike, visit Table Rock. The trail is just about 2.3 miles long, and it’s an easy one with a beautiful view.
What are the best spring day trips in West Virginia?
When the weather first begins to warm up, head to Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream, in Ceredo. This iconic seasonal shop makes the best cones in the state! For some outdoor fun, visit the Rose Garden in Ritter Park, in Huntington. It’s one of the best rose gardens in the whole country and features more than 3,000 blooms. It’s in full bloom starting in May. Visit Berkley Springs for a wonderful spring day trip, where you can enjoy the warm springs and a charming town.
Does West Virginia have any natural wonders?
WV is home to dozens of beautiful natural wonders, and many of them are frequently overlooked. Sure, everyone knows about Berkley Springs’ warm springs, which make for a fascinating day trip destination, but did you know about the Ice Mountain? This Hampshire County destination is a natural ice box! The vents blast the mountain with frozen air all year long, and you’ll find ice on the rocks even in the middle of a summertime heatwave. Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg showcases the largest stalactite in the country, the Snowy Chandelier. Of course, you can’t forget the New River Gorge, which was just recently recognized by the National Park Service.
