July 17, 2009

Charlotte, NC--  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department  invites anyone interested in hummingbirds to get a close-up look at these intriguing flying "jewels" on Saturday, August 22, 2009, 10am-4pm, at Reedy Creek Nature Center's Hummingbird Festival. The festival is in the nature preserve/park at 2900 Rocky River Road.

This festival offers a chance to see ruby-throated hummingbirds as they depart for their long journey south for the winter.  Most fly on buzzing wings all the way across the Gulf of Mexico—a 500 mile migration!  Come hear ornithologist Susan Campbell tell how she records details of this great migration and demonstrates in the nature center's garden how she bands their tiny legs. Learn how anyone can create a hummingbird haven in their backyard. Festival features fun for the whole family with games, music, story telling, displays, vendors, crafts, and face-painting.

While admission is FREE, donations are requested. Event will be held rain or shine.

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve encompasses 727 acres, and adjacent Reedy Creek Park covers 125 acres. The nature preserve's rolling topography includes pine and hardwood forests, fields and meadows, three lakes, and the headwaters and two tributaries of Reedy Creek. The preserve has 10 miles of trails for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The varied terrain provides habitat for 109 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, and 12 species of amphibians.

For more information contact Reedy Creek Nature Center: 704-598-8857 or jose.chavez@mecklenburgcountync.gov . 

Dr. JB's Hummingbird Products, Chirp 'N Chatter, and Lite 102.9 are major sponsors of the Hummingbird Festival.