Holly Springs Hosts the 19th Annual Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration This Weekend

Highlights include renowned guest speakers, guided nature walks, live animal shows, kids activity zone, wagon rides, nature-themed arts and crafts vendors, native plant sale and up-close views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds being banded and released. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event. Contributed photo.

The 19th annual Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration, one of the Southeast’s biggest nature festivals, is being held this weekend in Holly Springs at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Highlights include renowned guest speakers, guided nature walks, live animal shows, kids activity zone, wagon rides, nature-themed arts and crafts vendors, native plant sale and up-close views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds being banded and released. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event.

Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern United States as early as February, and to areas further north later in the spring.

Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern United States as early as February, and to areas further north later in the spring. Contributed photo.

Hummingbirds fly by day when nectar sources such as flowers are more abundant. Flying low allows the birds to see, and stop at, food supplies along the way. They are also experts at using tailwinds to help reach their destination faster and by consuming less energy and body fat. Research indicates a hummingbird can travel as much as 23 miles in one day.

During migration, a hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, and its wings flap 15 to 80 times a second. To support this high energy level, a hummingbird will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before they start migration in order to make the long trek over land, and water.

hottytoddy.com staff report