Southern Byways

Did you know during fall as thousands of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico and Central America from Canada, they go through Mississippi? And not only that, but these tiny creatures make a pit stop, or a fuel stop in the fields, woods and gardens of Strawberry Plains Audubon Center near Holly Springs, Miss. You have the chance to see these birds up close during the 2008 Hummingbird Migration Celebration through September 7.

In its ninth year, the celebration is a three-day event (began on September 5) that includes such activities as banding hummingbirds and releasing them into the wild, as well as guided nature walks and guided wagon rides. There’s a Wildlife Wonders Tent that features talks and exhibits on various wildlife found in the Magnolia state.

There’s also a Special Programs Tent where you’ll also find experts speaking about anything from native plants to native frogs to even, yes, native ants. Two talks that seem particularly interesting is “Bird Tales: Stories & Songs from Many Lands” that highlight folktales told by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis. The other talk, “Writing the History of Strawberry Audubon Center,” explores the background story of the land and Davis House.

Join the center this weekend as they take a closer look at not only hummingbirds, but at other wildlife as well.

Quick Take

What: 9th Annual 2008 Hummingbird Migration Celebrate

When: September 5-7

Where: Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, near Holly Springs

Cost: While parking is free, there is an fee for the event. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children under 12.

Photo credits: Ruby-throated hummingbird, flickr, creative commons by Eric Begin; Ruby-throated hummingbird, flickr, creative commons by Dan Irizarry