Mississippi is home to a diverse array of fall festivals that celebrate local culture, music, food, and wildlife. One unique festival held in the state is the Hummingbird Migration Celebration, which takes place every fall in Natchez, Mississippi as the hummingbirds pass through on their annual migration south for the winter.
When and Where the Hummingbird Migration Festival is Held
The Hummingbird Migration Celebration is held every year in mid-September in Natchez, Mississippi. Natchez is located in the southwest corner of Mississippi right along the Mississippi River. The festival takes place in the Natchez State Park at Emerald Mound, which is the second largest Native American ceremonial mound in the United States.
The festival is timed to coincide with the peak of the ruby-throated hummingbird migration through the area. Though hummingbirds can be seen in Natchez as early as July, mid-September is when the largest numbers pass through on their way to their winter grounds in Mexico and Central America. Holding the festival during the migration peak maximizes the number of hummingbirds present for visitors to observe.
History of the Festival
The Hummingbird Migration Celebration was started in 1993 by the Natchez Garden Club as a way to showcase the amazing phenomenon of the hummingbird migration. Though it started small, the festival has grown over the years and now attracts hundreds of visitors each year. It has become one of the signature events in Natchez and provides important education about hummingbirds and their epic yearly journeys.
The festival is run by dedicated volunteers from the Natchez Garden Club, Natchez State Park, and the Natchez Visitor’s Center. These volunteers work year-round to plan and organize the festival activities.
Festival Highlights
The Hummingbird Migration Celebration features a jam-packed schedule of activities and attractions related to hummingbirds and the fall migration:
- Speakers and experts give presentations on topics like hummingbird biology, migration behaviors, native plants, and more.
- Guided walking tours point out the best areas to observe hummingbirds.
- A hummingbird banding station where visitors can watch the tiny birds up close as they are caught, banded for research, and released.
- Vendors sell hummingbird-themed arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more.
- A native plant sale so visitors can purchase plants to attract hummingbirds to their own yards.
- Young participants make hummingbird feeders andMigration Celebration participate in youth activities.
- A photography contest captures the beauty of hummingbirds.
- Delicious southern food, desserts, and drinks are available from local vendors.
The highlight for many is simply finding a comfortable spot to sit quietly and watch the hummingbirds fly around the festival grounds. Hundreds of the tiny birds can be seen feeding on nectar, performing aerial displays, and resting on branches.
Why the Festival is Held in Natchez
The hummingbird migration passes through many areas along the Gulf Coast states. So why was Natchez, Mississippi chosen as the site for this one-of-a-kind festival?
There are several key factors that make Natchez an ideal location:
- It is directly in the path of the migration route that the ruby-throated hummingbirds follow each year as they travel from their breeding grounds as far north as Canada down to Mexico for the winter.
- The bluff lands along the Mississippi River create ideal habitat, providing the food sources and resting spots the traveling hummingbirds need to refuel.
- Emerald Mound, where the festival is held, historically served as a gathering spot for the Natchez people and remains an area of spiritual significance.
- Natchez has a long history and tradition of gardening and native plant appreciation, creating enthusiasm around hummingbirds.
- The quaint town of Natchez has lots of southern charm and existing infrastructure to support hosting a festival.
All these factors make Natchez the perfect spot for the region to host a celebration honoring the tiniest migrants as they pass through on their extraordinary journey.
Economic Benefits for the Community
In addition to being a fun and educational event, the Hummingbird Migration Festival provides real economic benefits for Natchez and the surrounding community. A 2017 study found the total economic impact of the festival to be over $75,000 for the area. This boost comes from several sources:
- Hundreds of visitors flock to Natchez, many from out of town, filling up local hotels and bed & breakfasts.
- These visitors then spend money at local restaurants, shops, and attractions during their stay.
- The festival vendors generating sales of food, crafts, plants and more.
- Sponsorships and fundraising activities help recirculate dollars within the community.
Beyond the dollars brought in, the festival also provides exposure for Natchez and promotes tourism to the area. Many visitors are drawn in by the charm of the event and then return in future years to further explore everything the region has to offer.
Economic Impact Data
| Year | Estimated Attendance | Total Economic Impact |
| 2017 | 1,200 | $78,000 |
| 2018 | 1,500 | $82,000 |
| 2019 | 1,800 | $93,000 |
As shown in the table above, as attendance has grown, so has the total economic value of the festival. Community leaders expect this trend to continue in future years as the festival establishes itself further.
Conservation Benefits
In addition to its economic impact, the Hummingbird Migration Celebration also provides important benefits related to conservation:
- Research – The bird banding conducted allows hummingbird migration patterns to be tracked and studied over time. This data contributes to larger research efforts and supports conservation planning.
- Education – Festival presentations and exhibits teach both residents and visitors about protecting hummingbirds. They learn specifics like providing food sources and not using pesticides as well as the larger issue of preserving bird habitats.
- Awareness – People come away from the festival with a heightened appreciation for hummingbirds and a connection to these tiny creatures. This boosts public interest in supporting conservation.
- Funding – Money raised at the festival supports groups like the Natchez Garden Club that advocate for environmental causes in the region.
By getting the community invested in hummingbirds specifically and conservation broadly, the festival provides benefits that reach far beyond just its economic impact.
Future Goals and Visions
The organizers of the Hummingbird Migration Celebration have many goals they are working towards to improve and expand the festival in coming years:
- Increasing attendance while retaining the intimate feel that makes the event special.
- Adding more educational programs for children and students to get the younger generation engaged.
- Creating a native plant trail that highlights the local vegetation hummingbirds rely on.
- Partnering with more local businesses and artisans to be festival vendors.
- Enhancing marketing reach to draw visitors from farther away.
- Developing a mobile app to share migration data in real-time.
They aim to continue to grow the festival’s reputation as a must-attend event for bird enthusiasts while also remaining true to its roots as a small-town celebration of nature’s beauty.
Planning a Visit to the Hummingbird Migration Festival
If you want to experience the magic of the Hummingbird Migration Celebration for yourself, here are some tips for planning a visit:
- Lodging – Reserve a room early as hotels fill up fast. Historic bed & breakfasts are popular options.
- Dates – The festival is always held mid-September for 2-3 days. Arrive a day early to relax and get oriented.
- Packing – Bring binoculars, camping chairs, sun protection, walking shoes, water, and a camera.
- Festival hours – Events run 8am to 4pm daily. You’ll want to be out early to see the most bird activity.
- Tickets – Day passes can be purchased online or on-site. Multi-day and VIP passes are also available.
- Parking – Shuttles run continuously to minimize impacts to habitat.
With some advance planning, you are sure to have an amazing experience. The hardest part will be going home without your own personal squad of tiny hummingbird companions!
Conclusion
The Hummingbird Migration Celebration offers a unique way to witness nature’s wonders right in the heart of Mississippi. As the tiny birds make their incredible journey, the festival allows humans to revel in their strength and beauty. And while providing an economic boost to the region, it also advances the larger goal of environmental conservation. Part research, education, viewing opportunity, and celebration, the event encapsulates the best of how humans and nature can positively interact. If you have the chance, be sure to add this special festival to your Mississippi fall travel itinerary.
