Nature Center of Cape May: See Hummingbirds in their Glory August 12-14
A Ruby-throated Hummingbird nectars on Cardinal Flower. Glimpse hundreds of hummingbirds in their wildlife garden glory in the Nature Center of Cape May’s “Tours of Private Backyard Gardens,” August 12-14.
Photo Credit: Patricia Sutton
Now at the peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration, the diverse array of gardens have hosted nesting hummingbirds since May and are now drawing in dozens of migrants. Tour goers will discover the key elements of each garden: native nectar plants, healthy insect populations, water sources, and adequate shelter. Sutton will lead participants through these hummingbird and butterfly filled private gardens located from one end of Cape May County to the other throughout the course of the three days. Gardening enthusiasts may attend one, two or all three days of the tour.
According to Sutton, “Hummingbird activity has exploded in our garden. Young are off the nest and flying about. Birds from the north are on the move south through our area, and females are busy with their second (or maybe even third) nest. Territorial males are busy, busy, busy as they dash about chasing rivals away from each of the feeders. It's quite a show…makes your head spin!”
Pat’s garden in Goshen will be featured on the Friday, August 12th “North: Goshen to Dennisville” tour. Saturday, August 13 covers Cape Island in the south, and Sunday, August 14 concludes with mid-Cape May County, from North Cape May to Rio Grande.
All tours take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day and are limited to 25 guests per day. Preregister now with the Nature Center of Cape May to reserve your spot. The fee per tour is $40, reduced to $30 for New Jersey Audubon members. Join all three tours at a discounted rate of $75 members, $100 nonmembers.
You may register by phone at 609.898.8848 with a credit card, or send payment to the Nature Center of Cape May, 1600 Delaware Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204 (noting which tours and full names of registrants).
To learn more, visit Pat’s website for photo galleries of each of the garden tours (North, South, and Mid-County), including past gardens and current gardens.
Categories: Events
Tags: nature center of cape may hummingbird migration hummingbirds event ruby-throated hummingbird
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