Parks and Wildlife Seeks Hummingbird Information

AUSTIN, Texas -- Did you have hummingbirds darting about your backyard this year? Was the air alive with the sound of little wings? Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would like to know.

"We have been surveying hummingbird data across the state since 1994 and are looking for more data points to add to the picture we currently have of our state hummingbird population," said Mark Klym, coordinator of the Texas Hummingbird Roundup. "Our current survey participants are providing data that helps us understand the diversity and ecology of hummingbirds in Texas, but it is equally important that we fill in some of the holes by getting some information from areas that are currently not represented in the survey."

Texas has the most diverse range of hummingbirds with 18 species recorded to date. "Everyone sees the common species, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Black-chinned Hummingbirds or Buff-bellied Hummingbirds," said Patricia Morton, program leader for Education and Outreach with the Wildlife Diversity Branch of TPWD. "Texas has so much more to offer and the Roundup is a great way to learn more about these wonderful birds while providing valuable information to the state. Often people are unaware that more than one species of hummingbird may be feeding at their feeders."

Another limiting factor in the data collection is the timing when some of these birds are here. "For a long time people were told, and this helped spread the word, to take their feeders down in mid October so the birds will migrate. Rufous Hummingbirds are commonly seen from November to January. Other hummingbirds that might be around at that time are Anna's, Calliope, Black-chinned, Allen's and even the occasional Ruby-throated or Buff-bellied. These birds are in no danger of starving or freezing and have chosen to stay in Texas for the winter. By taking our feeders down, we may actually limit the number and diversity of birds we see," Klym says.

Information for the Hummingbird Roundup is collected using a specific data form. For more information, visit the Web (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/birding/humrunup.htm). There is also a package that can be purchased for $6 by those wanting a little more information with their survey. "We would really like people to use the forms, but even a reply like "we had hummingbirds this year" and your address is a little more information than we had. In other words, you do not have to be an expert birder to help us out," says Klym.

If you have hummingbird information you would like to share, please send it to: Texas Hummingbird Roundup, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.