September 11 - 14, 2008
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. 11-14, 2008. The
celebration days are fast approaching and we feel the 2008 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 two locations – Auditorium
and Middle School Cafeteria, both in the high school. Information and tickets for
workshops and trips will be available at the event headquarters in the
auditorium.
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!
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.
Special thanks to the City of Rockport and H.E.B. for their many years of
sponsorship and support.
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