Hummingbird Week in August (registration required)

These are the hosting facilities:

Reedy Creek Nature Center
3986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC

McDowell Nature Center
15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC

Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC

Hummingbird Art Contest

Hummingbird art contest info: Participants ages 5 and up can submit their artwork to any Mecklenburg County nature center (Reedy Creek, Quest, McDowell, Stevens Creek, or Eastway Regional Recreation Center). Artwork must be hummingbird themed, no larger than 9×12 inches, and safe to hang for wall display.

Important Dates:

• July 31-August 9: Submit your art to your local nature center
• August 12-20: Public art contest voting at Reedy Creek Nature Center
• August 20: Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.

Hummingbird Week Activities

Storytime
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center Play Area
Free (register)

Come listen to a engaging story about hummingbirds as we continue to celebrate Hummingbird Week. Adult participation required if under 18.

Breakfast with the Birds
Thursday, August 17, 2023
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek
$10 for Mecklenburg County residents, $12 for non-residents (register)

Explore the bird life of Reedy Creek Nature Preserve while enjoying a continental breakfast by the feeders! This naturalist led program will immerse you in the bird activities around the Nature Preserve as we delve into their natural history and discover what we can do to help birds in our environment. Includes light breakfast foods and coffee to be enjoyed while viewing the feeders as well as a hands-on walk and talk around the Nature Center and trails. Adult participation required if under 18.

Preschool Program
Thursday, August 17, 2023
10 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)

Zip, chirp, chirp, zoom! Bring your little explorer to discover all about how to act like a hummingbird, what hummingbirds eat, and where they are flying to at the end of the month. Adult participation required if under 18.

Hummingbird Habitat Walk
Friday, August 18, 2023
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)

Starting in the Reedy Creek Gardens we will delight in our Hummingbird friends and talk about what type of habitat needs they have. We will then journey onto the trails and into the woods to explore a variety of habitats, how they are used and who they share them with. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.

Bird Banding
Saturday, August 19, 2023
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free (register)

The best way to know how to help hummingbirds is by doing research and keeping a close eye on their health. Susan Campbell will be trapping, measuring, and tagging hummingbirds at Reedy Creek and you can witness her work up close. Adult participation required if under the age of 18.

Susan is a licensed hummingbird bander and lead hummingbird researcher in North Carolina. She has been working with hummingbirds for over 15 years as a research affiliate with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

When you enroll you will select a 45-minute slot that will start every hour on the hour from 8 am to 11 am.

Breakfast with the Birds
Saturday, August 19, 2023
8 to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek
$20 for Mecklenburg County residents, $24 for non-residents (register)

Secure your spot today for this popular adult-only Hummingbird Festival experience! Begin your morning with a guided bird-watching walk, looking and listening for species such as Goldfinches, Barn Swallows, and, of course, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Back at the nature center, relax on the covered porch and indulge on warm pastry, hot coffee, and other special treats. Nectar feeders set up all around provide up-close hummingbird viewing while you dine. Finally, dive into the fascinating life of hummingbirds with a special guest speaker.

Hummingbird Challenges
Saturday, August 19, 2023
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)

Flap your wings as fast as possible, collect nectar from a flower, and avoid a giant web. Come test your skills and see how they compare to a hummingbirds at this drop-in program! Adult participation required if under 18.

Saturday Open Classroom
Saturday, August 19, 2023
1 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Drop by the classroom at Reedy Creek Nature Center and learn all about hummingbirds! Come participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and more to investigate these special birds.

Bird Banding
Sunday, August 20, 2023
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free (register)

The best way to know how to help hummingbirds is by doing research and keeping a close eye on their health. Susan Campbell will be trapping, measuring, and tagging hummingbirds at Reedy Creek and you can witness her work up close. Adult participation required if under the age of 18.

Susan is a licensed hummingbird bander and lead hummingbird researcher in North Carolina. She has been working with hummingbirds for over 15 years as a research affiliate with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

When you enroll you will select a 45-minute slot that will start every hour on the hour from 8 am to 11 am.

Gardening for Hummingbirds
Sunday, August 20, 2023
10 to 11 a.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)

Explore the Reedy Creek Native Plant Gardens and observe landscape features that create a successful hummingbird habitat. Discover practical tips to attract hummingbirds to your outdoor space and transform your garden or porch into a hummingbird haven. Adult participation required if under 18.

Saturday Open Classroom
Sunday, August 20, 2023
1 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free

Drop by the classroom at Reedy Creek Nature Center and learn all about hummingbirds! Come participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and more to investigate these special birds.