We’ve lived in Texas for decades, and only this year learned that Rockport, TX is a focal point for migrating hummingbirds in September. So, we spent a weekend there. The migration has grown to be one of the premier birding events in Texas. 
We opted to stay in a condo on the beach in nearby Port Aransas and took the short (and free!) ferry ride each day to Rockport. On the ferry, dolphins swam by and, of course, birds of all types followed us. Port Aransas is a peaceful and scenic place to stay and enjoy the event.
Set beside the rugged, natural environment of the Texas coast, the HummerBird Celebration (yes—that’s how they spell it) displays the natural beauty and plentiful wildlife that make Rockport-Fulton a leading birding habitat Apart from hummingbirds, sightseers can discover the unique coastal environments that appeal to hundreds of bird species year around. From the wetlands and coves to nearby nature refuges and parks, this area offers an unmatched environment for observing migrating birds.
This year’s HummerBird celebration included speaker programs at the Martha Luigi Auditorium, guided boat and field trips, live bird banding, and self-guided hummer home tours spread across four days. The migration of thousands of birds happens across Rockport and Fulton for the entire month of September — they visit feeders in gardens, parks or any spot where feeders are hung. The tiny, constantly moving, birds did not disappoint. We saw more than we had ever seen before. The residents are very welcoming of tourists, who come from all over the world to see the birds. 
Many homeowners hang hummingbird feeders from trees on their lawns for all to see. Some generously put out lawn chairs and open their patios for visitors to sit and watch the birds.One of them is Vivian Sutter, who was on the HummerBird map given out by the Chamber of Commerce each year. She greeted us, offered us water and a beautiful place to watch the birds. The residents make everyone feel welcome here.
Some feeding spots are on public land. We met Leah Medado, a volunteer for Aransas Pathways, at the Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary. She was very knowledgeable and directed us to Tule Marsh, which turned out to be the best site for seeing hummingbirds. Tule Marsh is not as remote as it sounds—it is within walking distance of a Walmart. Leah also told us of monarch butterflies which migrate through Rockport in October. Not this year, but maybe we will go to see them in the future.
A necessary stop in Rockport is the “Big Tree,” one of the largest living oaks in America, in Goose Island State Park in Lamar (a town near Rockport). How old is it? Estimates range from 1,000 to 2,000 years—nobody is sure. Well worth a stop.
Lots of fine seafood restaurants in the area. We opted to eat on the waterfront. Paradise Key in Rockport, and Virginia’s on the Beach and Grumbles in Port Aransas offer excellent seafood , with the option to dine right on the water. Due to the heat, we opted for that only once in our three nights there.
Do not miss this unique opportunity to observe the hummingbird migration. You will not see that many hummingbirds in such a naturally beautiful landscape anywhere else.