Adult Field Course: Hummingbird Natural History with Banding Demonstration
August 16, 2025 @9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Have you ever wondered about the life cycle and ecology of the ruby-throated hummingbird (RTHU)? Now’s your chance to learn all you ever wanted to about hummingbirds. In the course, you will learn about the life cycle of hummingbirds, from migration to nesting to where they spend their winters. We will mainly focus on ruby-throated hummingbirds, but we will also discuss other species that may show up in the Carolinas. A large portion of the program will be dedicated to observing banding, which is done for research purposes. You will get to see how the banding is done and learn why it is important. All banding activity will be conducted by federal and state licensed banders.
Dwayne Martin is a lifelong resident of Catawba County and a park superintendent for Catawba County Parks, where he has worked at Riverbend Park for 22 years. He has been a licensed bird and hummingbird bander and researcher since 2006. He has banded many thousands of hummingbirds, mainly at Riverbend Park, but also at other locations such as Grandfather Mountain. He also does banding research on wintering hummingbirds in the Carolinas.
Tiffany Huffman has been a park ranger for Catawba County Parks for four years. Prior to working as a park ranger, Tiffany earned a BS in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation from Lees-McRae College. Tiffany gained her hummingbird banding license in 2022.
Program Itinerary
9 – 9:30 a.m. – Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
9:30 – 11 a.m. – PowerPoint program on hummingbirds and Q&A session
11 – 11:30 a.m. – Set up for hummingbird banding
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Lunch at the Wilson Center
12 – 3 p.m. – Banding demonstration
3 – 4 p.m. – Wrap up/Q&A/Evaluations
Tickets
This event costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club – plus tax. Registration opens on this page on June 17, at 10 a.m. Limited to 15 participants.
What’s included?
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees.
Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.
General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment and footwear are very important.
Equipment:
- Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Camera/Binoculars
- Notebook and Pencil
Equipment Specific to this Course:
- Your favorite bird field guide
- Camera (doesn’t have to be an expensive camera) to take photos of hummingbirds up close
Refunds/Cancellations
Adult Field Courses generally sell out and have a waiting list associated with the event. If you cannot attend the field course that you are registered for, please let us know. Full refunds will be given to individuals who reach out to us at least five days before the event. This allows time for individuals on the waiting list to make accommodations to attend the event. To cancel your registration, please call 828-833-6332 or email judi@grandfather.com.
We ask that individuals who are sick with any illness to stay home to ensure the health and safety of other participants, our staff, and the field course instructors – refunds will be granted to these individuals.
