This past weekend, at Rockport-Fulton, Texas the annual hummingbird - fest was held. It's a self-guided route [driving] to many, many areas throughout the two town radius. With people's homes and parks open for viewing the migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird. And may I add the hummer-bird festival, as what it's called in Autumn is also dedicated to all migratory birds that fly south for the winter where food is more readily available for them. But, the hummingbirds can be seen by the thousands!!!
With my camera and binoculars at the ready in the passenger seat of the car, I left home at daybreak to beat the predicted heat of the day that was sure to be upon us birders in no time. About midway to Rockport it rained enough to wet the pavement on the highway; making it more sultry. Once beyond the straight-away section of the road, the sun would be off to my right, making visibility a bit more safe. Some drivers just don't slow down....even with the bright sun in our eyes. Not me...I creep along like an old lady who is afraid to be behind the steering wheel. At least until I'm heading in a different direction. Then, of course, I make up for lost time. lol
Upon arriving, I hit the well-known parks and birding areas first. I was elated to see the hundreds of nectar feeders throughout. My first thought was "Whoever has the responsibility of keeping these feeders filled should be commended". They were everywhere I looked! Along the roads, in parks, yards...the signage was directing us in every direction of town and along the coast. And the birds, once they were awake, were hungry!!! I started taking photos and soon gave up and just watched their frenzied feeding....filling up for their long journey to Mexico and South America. Here are some photos I took at first, before I stopped altogether. I just couldn't keep up with them all at once...
...and of course, a few hummers!!!
From Linda Castro Refuge [which had 8 feeders that I saw], to Tule Marsh [a dozen feeders], around town; groups of five or more in one spot, to along the coast, lined on poles, etc. and people's yards with varied numbers of feeders...anywhere from a couple to hundreds of ruby throats at one time, the feeders were busy!! And, after walking some along Tule Creek, I gathered up my camera and binoculars, headed to the street fair to see what crafty wares were for sale at the tented booths, and a short drive around the harbor/yacht club before heading home. I did buy one seasonal [no need for a hint, I'm sure you can guess] thing at the street fair. I'll show you on another post.