The Fascinating World of Hummingbirds workshop was held at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Participants made a hummingbird feeder from a recycled wine bottle and copper wire. They then had an opportunity to paint it in the style and colors of their choice. After a brief break, they learned information about the most common hummingbirds of Pennsylvania (Ruby-throated and to a lesser extent, the Rufous hummingbird), tips for hummingbird gardening, plants that attract hummingbirds with an emphasis on native varieties, the hanging and care of their hummingbird feeder. An artificial nectar recipe was given then the spring and fall migration patterns were discussed. At the very end, they learned why birds fly into windows and how they can create bird-safe windows.

Jackie Johnson stands to the side of the canopy where hummingbird trifolds and posters are exhibited before the presentation. Pictures on clothes pins show sequential pictures of a female on her nest from the beginning of the nesting period until the baby birds are fledged.

Participants work as a two person team to make the top hook and then wrap the 8-gauge copper wire around their wine bottle.

With the wire wrapped around their bottles, the participants begin to paint.

A closeup of one bottle painting design is shown. Weather-resistant acrylic paint that is also safe for birds was used.