Many species of hummingbirds are found in Texas, so no matter where in Texas you live you will likely see some in your area. If you enjoy watching hummingbirds and discovering interesting facts about them, then please consider using your hobby as a way to benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in their continued efforts to gain valuable information and insight into the various hummingbird species found throughout the state of Texas.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been running a Hummingbird Round-up for the last few years. This program gives the average citizen the opportunity to join other Texans in helping our wildlife biologists learn more about Texas hummingbirds and what they need in their environment.
The Hummingbird Round-up is a program that has many benefits to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. With so many different species of hummingbirds on which to try and gather data, the challenge to know these species and what they need to survive is daunting. Biologists can not be in every county in the state at all times to observe these birds and their movements.
Volunteers, like you, can provide them with information that can be pooled with other observations across the state to develop a picture of these birds and their habitats. Some of these birds have only been recorded a dozen times throughout history, so their story in Texas is minimal. The Texas Hummingbird Roundup is a program that enables Texans to assist Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists study the birds’ feeding patterns, behavior, range and distribution.
In order to participate in the program, all you have to do is watch the hummingbirds visiting your feeders, make a note on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department form and submit it at the end of each year. Participants in the program will be provided with a kit that includes a survey form and “A Quick Reference Guide to Texas Hummingbirds” booklet, with information on Texas’ species of hummingbird, how to clean and maintain feeders, and suggestions on additional plants for the garden.
Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at the address listed below or go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website. Their physical mailing address is as follows: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.