Reedy Creek Nature Center’s Hummingbird Festival is a popular annual August tradition in Charlotte. This year it will be week-long event, starting August 15th, 2022, with events at various Mecklenburg County nature and recreation centers.
Read on for a list of events. Make sure to follow each link and register, if required.
These are the hosting facilities:
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
3986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC
McDowell Nature Preserve
15222 York Road, Charlotte, NC
Eastway Regional Recreation Center
3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC
Quest (at Latta Nature Preserve)
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC
Hummingbird Alley
Monday, August 15th, 2022
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Chat
Monday, August 15th, 2022
6 to 7 p.m.
Virtual
Free
All ages
Susan Campbell is an authority on Hummingbird research. Sit down with her and chat about our native hummingbirds, her research, and what we can do to help our feathered friends. A link to the virtual meeting will be provided prior to the program.
Early Bird Gets the Worm
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
8 to 9 a.m.
Eastway Regional Recreation Center
Age 16+
Wake up with the birds and explore the habitats around Eastway Regional Recreation Center. Up in the trees and down by the creek, we will search for the many birds that call our parks home! Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of ours. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Breakfast with the Birds
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
8 to 9:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
$5 for Meck County resident; $6 for non-resident
Age 18+
Wake up early with the birds to enjoy doughnuts & coffee by the hummingbird feeders! Keep an eye out for these quick flying friends as we discuss their unique features, capabilities and how to attract them to your backyard.
Hummingbird Alley
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Watercolors Class
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
$4 for Meck County residents; $5 for non-residents
Age 14+
Capture the beauty of hummingbirds through watercolors. Explore some introductory watercolor techniques and then paint your own hummingbird. All supplies needed will be provided. No previous experience required. Adult participation required if under 18.
Hummingbird Alley
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Storytime
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
10 to 10:30 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center (natural play area)
Free
All ages
Come listen to an engaging story about hummingbirds as we continue to celebrate Hummingbird Week. All ages are welcome.
Plan(t) It and They Will Come
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
Age 16+
Hummingbirds are intriguing birds that will awe and inspire. Discover how to attract them to your yard so that you may get up close and personal with this amazing species. There will be a Q&A session included in the program.
Hummingbird Alley
Thursday, August 18th, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Habitat Walk
Friday, August 19th, 2022
9:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
Age 6+
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.
Hummingbird Alley
Friday, August 19th, 2022
10 to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Banding
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
All ages
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 20th, 2022
8 to 10 a.m.
Stevens Creek Nature Center
$20 for Meck County residents; $24 for non-residents
Age 18+
Secure your spot today for this adult-only Hummingbird Festival special event! Begin your morning with a guided bird-watching walk, looking and listening for resident and native species such as Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, and, of course, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Back at the nature center, indulge on warm sticky buns, parfait and hot coffee while a special guest speaker dives into the fascinating life of hummingbirds. Nectar feeders are set up all around for up-close hummingbird viewing.
Hummingbird Challenges
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
All ages
Hummingbirds have amazing skills. Drop in and see how you match against our small feathered friends. You can try one or multiple challenges, become one with our hummingbirds and even win prizes! Adult participation required if under 18.
Hummingbird Alley
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Alley
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
1 to 2 p.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Hummingbird Crafternoon
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
2 to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
Age 4+
Flitter on over to Reedy Creek Nature Center to celebrate Hummingbird Week with us! Explore what makes hummingbirds special and create your very own hummingbird craft. Adult participation required if under 18.
Hummingbird Habitat Hike
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Quest
Free
Age 11+
Join us at Quest for national hummingbird week for a leisure stroll to identify hummingbird essentials! Together we’ll identify ways we can provide a healthy habitat in a nature preserve and our own backyards for these swift small pollinators.
Hummingbird Alley
Saturday, August 20th, 2022
3 to 4 p.m.
McDowell Nature Center
Free
All ages
Discover the wonders of hummingbirds at McDowell’s Hummingbird Alley during Hummingbird Festival Week. Enjoy the acrobatic flight and chirps of these pollinator birds as they flit about for nectar as you observe them with a naturalist to answer your hummingbird questions. After you observe the birds, you can take part in the Hummingbird Challenge to test your human skills vs a hummingbird. This is not a drop-off program. Adult participation is required.
Pollinator Garden Walk
Sunday, August 21st, 2022
9 to 10 a.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
All ages
Pollinators are essential for a healthy ecosystem! Come discover the pollinators found at Reedy Creek and in your own backyard, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Adult participation required if under 18.
Hummingbird Storytime
Sunday, August 21st, 2022
2 to 2:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Free
All ages
Come listen to an engaging story about hummingbirds as we continue to celebrate Hummingbird Week. All ages are welcome.
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