This class is currently full, but you may use the register link below to be placed on the waiting list. Please take a moment to check out our full Spring class list.

Class Registration opens Jan 20, 2025

Class Instructor: James Giroux and Richard Deulofeut
Class level: Introductory/Beginner
Virtual Lecture dates: Tuesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 22nd from 6-8PM CT
Field Trip Date(s): Saturday, May 24th at Pedernales State Park
Class fee: $45 for members, $50 for non-members
Class Size: 15
Class sessions will be held via Zoom Web Conferencing.

How to Host and Identify Hummingbirds in Central Texas May 20-24

Hummingbirds are some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet, and they occur naturally only in the western hemisphere. Almost everyone who lives in North America has at least one species of hummingbird that spends some portion of the year there. In Texas we are especially blessed with hummingbird diversity. Texas has recorded more hummingbird species (19) within its borders than any other state in the US.

This class will introduce the hummingbird species most commonly encountered in Central Texas. We will discuss ranges, habitats and frequency of occurrence, and will discuss characteristics including behavior, field marks and vocalizations that can be used to identify these birds. A particular focus will be spent on our most frequent visitors to Travis County — the black-chinned, ruby-throated, and rufous hummingbirds — and how to work through challenging identifications, as with different female Archilochus hummers.

We will also discuss hummingbird husbandry, including feeders and native plantings for hummingbirds, with an emphasis on plants suitable for Central Texas landscapes. Our class will end with a field trip to Pedernales State Park to see black-chinned hummingbirds in action.

This class will be co-taught by James Giroux and Richard Deulofeut. Two lecture sessions will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 22nd from 6-8PM CT. We will conduct the field trip to Pedernales State Park the morning of May 24th.

REGISTER HERE

Payment for a class, workshop, or other fee-based event is due at the time of registration. If payment is not received within a week of registration, the registrant may be dropped from the roster. To withdraw from a class, workshop, or other fee-based event, please contact the Travis Audubon office: 512-300-BIRD (2473) or info@travisaudubon.org.

If a registrant withdraws from a class, workshop, or other fee-based event at least seven (7) days before the first session, Travis Audubon will offer a full refund less a $5.00 administrative fee that helps defray our costs. If the registrant withdraws less than seven (7) days before the first session, no refund will be made. If Travis Audubon cancels the class, workshop, or other fee-based event, we will fully refund the tuition.