North Carolina Hummingbird Research
The study of wintering hummingbird species is a very important component of what we do. We have only scratched the surface in our quest to learn more about these truly amazing creatures known as hummingbirds. The only way to preserve all species of birds for future generations is to know what they require for survival. The best way to accomplish this is to learn as much about them as possible. Banding is one of the tools in that effort.
We continue an extensive education effort through seminars, adult education sessions, and banding demonstrations. This allows us to share our research with thousands of people annually. We also place great emphasis on the environmental education of children. The long-term survival of birds and their habitat is dependent upon the attitudes of the young people of today. The hands-on approach to educating children allows each child present to experience birds as living, breathing creatures deserving of our protection. Our banding stations at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve and both Riverbend Park and ? Park in Catywaba County are open to the public. Every year we host over 700 guests at the banding stations. During these banding sessions the general public is exposed to all aspects of identification, behavior and habitat needs of the migratory species that we encounter. It is a treat for many visitors, of all ages, to have the chance to touch, hold and release many of these birds. Preserving the birds and their habitat is the mission of our statewide research.
*Please note that sightings of white hummingbird, (whether albinos or leucistic (partially white or whitish) in late summer and any hummingbird encountered between November 1 and March 15th are of particular interest.”