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The Hummingbirds of Texas and the Hummingbird Round-up
Zoe Ann Hinds
Eighteen different species of hummingbirds have been found in the state of Texas, and another seven species are thought to be close to the state so they could potentially be in our region of the state. In Southeast Texas, where I live, the most common hummingbird to be found here is the Ruby-throated hummingbird.
During the spring migration season, which lasts from March through May, they will pass through the area on their journey northward. Then beginning in mid-July the birds that are migrating southwards begin to appear and the number of birds will increase in September.
There are several species of hummingbirds that spend the winter months in Texas. The most common species of hummingbirds to do this are the Rufous and the Black-chinned hummingbirds. It is rare but you will also occassionally find Allen's, Anna's, Calliope, Costa's, Broad-tailed and Buff-bellied hummingbirds.
Occasionally much rarer species such as Broad-billed or even a Green-breasted Mango or Green Violet-ear appear in Texas. Many avid hummingbird watchers hope that they will one day be lucky enough to see one of these extremely rare hummingbirds at their hummingbird feeder.
If you are someone who enjoys keeping track of the different species of hummingbirds that visit your feeders, then why not do so for your own enjoyment and at the same time provide useful and much needed information to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been running a Hummingbird Round-up for the last few years. This program gives the average citizen the the opportunity to join other Texans in helping our wildlife biologists learn more about Texas hummingbirds and what they need in their environment.
The Hummingbird Round-up is a program that has many benefits to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. With so many diffent species of hummingbirds on which to try and gather data, the challenge to know these species and what they need to survive is daunting. Biologists can not be in every county in the state at all times to observe these birds and their movements.
Volunteers, like yourself, can provide them with information that can be pooled with other observations across the state to develop a picture of these birds and their habitats. Some of these birds have only been recorded a dozen times throughout history, so their story in Texas is minimal. The Texas Hummingbird Roundup is a program that enables Texans to assist Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists study the birds’ feeding patterns, behavior, range and distribution.
In order to participate in the program, all you have to do is watch the hummingbirds visiting your feeders, make a note on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department form and submit it at the end of each year. Participants in the program will be provided with a kit that includes a survey form and “A Quick Reference Guide to Texas Hummingbirds” booklet, with information on Texas’ species of hummingbird, how to clean and maintain feeders, and suggestions on additional plants for the garden.
Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at the address listed below or visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's website. Their address is as follows: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.
Many species of hummingbirds are found in Texas, so no matter where in Texas you live you will likely see some in your area. If you enjoy watching hummingbirds and discovering interesting facts about them, then please consider using your hobby as a way to benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in their continued efforts to gain valuable information and insight into the various hummingbird species found throughout the state of Texas.
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