Each fall, Kleb Woods Nature Preserve becomes the stage for one of nature’s greatest migrations. Hummingbirds — tiny creatures often weighing less than a penny — pause in Precinct 4 to gather strength for their nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.

Bird enthusiasts come together to witness this remarkable journey during the Hummingbird Festival — an annual celebration now in its 17th year. This festival is not just about bird spotting. It’s about celebrating nature, learning about the world around us, and discovering life in its tiniest forms.

Fueling for the journey

For hummingbirds, September is a season of preparation. They hover at feeders, sip nectar from native flowers, and chase insects with incredible speed to get ready for what lies ahead. Year after year, the hummingbirds return to Kleb Woods, guided by instinct. Some even hover in midair at spots where feeders once hung — trusting that what sustained them before will be there again.

“They will stop here and fuel up for the hardest part of their flight,” explained Megan Ahlgren, a naturalist at Kleb Woods. “It's a really long, hard journey for such a tiny little bird.”

The number of hummingbirds that visit each year varies with weather and migration patterns. Some years bring dozens, while others bring hundreds.

Learning through wonder

The Hummingbird Festival turns science into a live, interactive experience. Visitors don’t just read about migration — they see it, hear it, and even hold it. Licensed banders — trained experts who place small identification bands on birds to track their movements and health — demonstrate how to catch and examine them before letting attendees release them to continue their migration.

The birds are safely captured in two ways. The first involves placing a feeder inside a small wire cage with an open door. When a hummingbird enters to feed, the door is gently closed behind it. The other method uses a mist net — a nearly invisible, mesh structure in the shape of a room. When hummingbirds fly inside, staff is able to carefully examine them.

"When people see a hummingbird up close, they are amazed at how much strength is packed into something so small,” said Megan. “Holding one, for even a moment, changes how you see nature and your place in it.”

A community in conversation with nature

The 2025 Hummingbird Festival welcomed nearly 2,000 attendees and more than 50 volunteers — the largest turnout yet. The success of the event reflects Commissioner Lesley Briones’ commitment to expanding educational, family-friendly programming that connects residents to nature.

At this year’s event, parents, grandparents, children, and friends gathered not only to see the hummingbirds but to engage in the many other activities hosted at Kleb Woods. Live raptor shows, guided nature walks, hands-on crafts, and a tour of the 1896 Kleb house turned the day into a truly immersive experience.

And sometimes, the most profound insights come from children.

“It was like holding a little vibrating heartbeat in my hand,” said Samantha, a young and enthusiastic festival attendee. “It felt like it sat in my hand for a long time, and then it was gone. It was such a wonderful experience.”

Lessons carried on small wings

The Hummingbird Festival is a chance to pause, learn, and remember that even the smallest creatures carry powerful lessons about perseverance, resilience, and connection.

For 17 years, the festival has drawn the community into that shared wonder. And each year, as the hummingbirds continue their journey south, they leave behind more than memories. They leave behind a reminder that nature teaches us how to see the world differently if we just take the time to look.