Hummer/Bird Celebration - Rockport, Texas - Hummingbirds and other birds

Hummer / Bird Celebration

What's the HUMMER/BIRD Celebration?

     The HUMMER/BIRD Celebration is an annual event held each September in the charming and friendly coastal towns of Rockport and Fulton. The purpose is to celebrate the spectacular fall migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird through the area, first documented by Connie Hagar in 1938, and to expand one's knowledge of all birds, and associated wildlife.
     The Celebration is fun, educational and inspiring. There is something for everyone and it's designed for those who just enjoy birds to the more experienced birder. If you enjoy nature, or some aspect of it, then this event is for you.

From the Chamber… Welcome!

     Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, on the bay of Aransas, the towns of Rockport and Fulton offer a special charm. Since their earliest days, Rockport and Fulton have attracted visitors with their climate, their friendly people and always, their wonderful birds.
     The Tourism Development Council of the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to help and assist the annual Hummer/Bird Celebration Committee in making this event spectacular for all those who attend.
     We give a warm welcome to all those interested in coming to the Texas Coast on Sept. 12-15, 2002. The celebration days are fast approaching and we feel the 2002 schedule of events is most fulfilling.
     Each year the staff of the Chamber look forward to entertaining those who attend the Hummer/Bird Celebration. It is a pleasure to try to accommodate each and everyone. It is truly remarkable to work behind the scenes as part of the team that coordinates an event which pleases so many people in a comfortable sort of way.
     To our regular attendees and to anyone wishing to attend for the first time, you are warmly welcomed. Hope to see you here and happy birding until then. Call the Chamber office if we can assist you.

What’s up this year?

     We hope you enjoy yourself as we celebrate the spectacular fall migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird…and the fun of birding. Go on field trips, boat trips, see the hummers stocking up at feeders as they prepare for their amazing 540 mile trip across the Gulf, and discover what’s new for the birding enthusiast at our "nature only" vendor booths.
     We are excited about our speaker lineup! Programs and workshops are indicated in the schedule and will take place in three locations – Auditorium, Cafeteria and Mid-Beach Pavilion. Information and tickets for workshops and trips will be available at the event headquarters in the auditorium.
     An all inclusive program pass is available for $20, or you may attend individual speaker programs for $2 each (under 18 is free).
     Wear your name tag… don’t be shy about asking our volunteers for help—they’re ready…and above all, have fun!

Celebration of all birds during fall migration
It is important to remind people how the name of this event came about.

When Betty Baker (enthused birder and volunteer) and Jesse Grantham (National Audubon Sanctuaries Manager) began developing this event, their intent was to bring attention to this great phenomena of the fall migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds. They wanted everyone to not just focus on hummingbirds but all birds during the tremendously beautiful fall migration.

Hence came the name Hummer/Bird Celebration. A Celebration, not a festival with tents and carnivals, but a learning experience.

Hummer Home Tour Maps

Local homes and businesses plant and maintain their yards year round to attract hummingbirds. During the event, you are invited to visit their yards to see the plants that lure the birds and to see them feeding in preparation for their incredible journey south. It is possible to see over 100 hummingbirds in one yard. A self-guided tour map is available at any information booth. Please enjoy the hummingbirds and the generosity of the Hummer Home Hosts. You’ll find a sign red in color and made in the shape of a hummingbird placed in front of the Hummer Home. Walk quietly to the residence. Enjoy!

Butterfly Tent, see at event

Dr. Nancy Greig, Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and several members of her staff return to the Hummer/Bird Celebration with a tent full of butterflies. But that's not all, folks. In the tent and related displays, you can witness one of the greatest miracles in nature, the complete metamorphosis of the butterfly. There will be eggs (some likely laid as you watch), caterpillars eating plants necessary for their growth, a chrysalis or two containing the wonder of the caterpillar transforming into the butterfly and waiting for the right time to emerge, perhaps while you are there.

Nancy and her staff will be on hand to answer questions and give tips on watching butterflies and how best to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard.

Speakers giving programs in our local schools

For years we have tried to get the youth involved in this event. With the time of year, sports going full force and activities galore, it is difficult for them to be involved. This year we have a committee member that is coordinating "speakers into classrooms".

Whooping Crane Tours
Visit Aransas Wildlife Refuge

Remember to visit the Rockport-Fulton area each winter from November through March as the Whooping Cranes return to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge from their summer homes in Canada. The cranes are only a short drive (about 40 minutes) from the Rockport-Fulton area. Cranes may be viewed from the Refuge, but for dramatic views of the cranes in their natural surroundings, boat trips are best. There are several birding boats operating from the area, most will take a 3 to 4 hour trip and it is possible to see a great many wintering and resident birds along with the cranes.

For more information about the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and all that it offers, call (361)286-3559. For more information about birding trips by boat, call the Chamber Visitor Center at 1-800-242-0071 or (361)729-6445.

A Note to Teachers!
TEA gives contact hours for attending this event

The Hummer/Bird Celebration is endorsed by the Texas Education Agency. Contact hours in environment education are available through which teachers may obtain a Recognition of Environmental Education Achievement from the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee.

To obtain credit for the hours of programs/workshops attended, go to the Auditorium Information Table and ask for the TEA program list. After each program you attend, have each presenter/speaker initial the title of his or her program. Then, return the list to the Auditorium Information Table. Verification stickers will be given for each three hours of programs attended.

Learn More About Our Speakers and Programs and Advance Registration Form

Download Hummer/Bird Vendor Registration

Special thanks to Perky Pet Products and H.E.B. for their many years of sponsorship and support.

Call the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-242-0071 or e-mail us at hummer@1rockport.org for full schedule of events.