HURRICANE HUMMERS:  How will the impact of Hurricane 
Harvey affect migrating hummingbirds…find out…. ahead 
on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Rockport, hit hard by Hurricane Harvey, is famous as a 
fall/winter hummingbird migration stopover. 

10—Hummingbirds are equipped to handle all kinds of 
environmental situations – [including] natural disasters. And, they 
are opportunistic: they look for opportunities in which to feed.

Urban wildlife biologist, Kelly Simon says residents are 
rightly focused on recovery, and may not hang nectar 
filled feeders this season.

12—Hummingbirds have endured natural disasters like this for as 
long as there have been hummingbirds. And so, while we’re 
focusing right now on human needs, the physical needs of 
hummingbirds will be met by the hummingbirds.

Folks along the migration path might consider hanging a 
few extra feeders, using a 3:1 ratio to increase energy 
content. However…
 
33—Hummingbirds don’t live by sugar water alone. They actually 
require spiders and mites that the find in native plants in order to 
gain the fats and proteins that will help fuel their journey. That 
may be a thing that’s hard for them to find. But, Corpus Christi is 
not that far away. And Corpus Christi has an abundance of 
flowers – they were not hit quite as hard. So, there’s a lot of 
natural food out there. It may not be in Rockport, but adding 
about 100 miles on top of the journey, when you’re looking at a 
2-thousand mile journey, is probably not significant.

Hummingbirds, like those hit by Harvey, are survivors, 
but always appreciate help from their friends.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.






Total sound bite time:		        0:55.0
Maximum Script time:		        0:30.0	                    Suggested show time:	     1:25