Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza

Held on Two Consecutive Saturdays:
September 14, 2024, 8 AM to 12 PM
September 21, 2024, 8 AM to 12 PM

Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza (XHX) is a yearly event at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory that takes place during the peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration in the fall. It features symbolic hummingbird adoptions and live hummingbird banding where you get the opportunity to see these amazing birds up close and in the hand!

One of the big attractions at XHX is our live hummingbird banding. Hummers are caught in special traps and handled by professional banders. They are then weighed, measured, and banded. Ruby-throated hummingbirds weigh, on average, about as much as a penny. Despite their small size some make an annual journey of 1,300 miles from breeding grounds as far north as Canada to wintering grounds in Central America. In the fall most begin migrating south between late August and mid September. When they reach the Gulf some fly straight across, marathoning an 18 to 24 hour journey across the ocean! Banding data allows us to collect information on individual hummingbirds that help us study their health and migration patterns. Symbolically ‘adopt’ a hummingbird at XHX to support our conservation efforts. You will also receive updates if your bird is caught in the future!

There will be educational booths, activities for kids, plant sale, and our nature gift store.

Tickets are $5 for adults and children 12 and under get in for free!