Hummingbird Days at UCSC Arboretum

Spring is fluttering into the Central Coast on the wings of thousands of hummingbirds as they arrive for their yearly visit to Santa Cruz County.

And where better to view the hovering and darting iridescent birds than at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, which will celebrate Hummingbird Days Saturday and Sunday.

Besides a self-guided trail where you can view the hummingbirds on your own, the Arboretum has planned activities that are sure to please every member of your family.

All activities are scheduled for both days, except on Sunday at 8 a.m. there will be a guided bird walk limited to 15 people. Call 831-427-2998 to reserve a space.

Kids will have fun being creative with a variety of crafts with hummingbird themes, scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The arboretum is known for its collection of Australian and California native plants, and you can learn which of these attract hummingbirds from such experts as Melinda Kralj, curator of the Australian Garden; Brett Hall, arboretum director; and Rick Flores, curator of native plants. Check the website for specific times.

If you enjoy photography, here’s an exciting opportunity to learn about photographing birds in the wild. Presented at 1 p.m. by Larry Selman, an experienced bird photographer whose pictures can be viewed here, the lecture will include a slide-show with information on how to set up an outdoor photo studio and attract birds (including hummingbirds), and the techniques and equipment necessary to photograph them.

 If you’re interested in bird-watching tours, including ones for children, they will be available approximately between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

 Most of us only get an occasional glimpse of hummingbirds darting in and then out of our yards. Take advantage of this chance for a close-range look at these beautiful, amazing little birds as they suck up the abundant nectar of the UCSC Arboretum.

The arboretum is at 1156 High St. between the entrances to the UCSC campuses.