If, like many fellow Texans, you marvel at those tiny little creatures who love to feast at our brightly-colored flowers and feeders, consider making the trip down the coast to the Rockport “HummerBird Celebration” September 14th through 17th. This is the 29th anniversary of this annual event, where all things hummingbird is celebrated. The event, held every September, brings in approximately 5,000 people to the Rockport-Fulton area.
Rockport, Texas, a bird-watcher’s paradise, is right on the flight path of these tiny birds’ fall migration. The hummers pause in Rockport each fall to prepare for the most arduous leg of their migration. Upon leaving Rockport, they will fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico – an incredible journey of some 800 plus miles. While resting in Rockport, they must eat…a lot. The birds must increase their body fat up to 50 percent, which will be used to fuel their continued migration.
Photo: Pixabay/Nicman
“You see, it is the hummers that are truly the stars of our show,” explains Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Diane Probst. Probst continues, “We created this event, built around a natural resource, “the hummingbird” to bring awareness of nature, wildlife, habitat and all birds to our community.”
“It is incredible to think how much of an impact this event has had on the community from putting the Rockport-Fulton area ‘on the map’ with a fabulous fall birding migration to the development of more than 35 birding hotspots in the community,” said Probst.
Residents Host the Hummers
Photo: Flickr/chrisdupe
Residents, who maintain “Hummer Homes” located throughout the community, provide valuable sources of nectar for the hummingbirds. The yards and gardens are landscaped and maintained year round with plants specifically intended to attract and nourish hummingbirds. Once dubbed a “progressive dinner,” the Hummer Homes are uniquely special. For a specific list of these homes, contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center during the month of September.
Birders Flock to Rockport
Photo: Facebook/Rockport Beach
In addition to field trips and boat trips (all complete with lots of hummingbird sightings), visitors to this event can also sit in on symposiums about the curious critters at the Rockport-Fulton High School campus. To purchase tickets to this event or learn more, visit the Rockport-Fulton website.
