Bretzfelder Park Series - The Wonder Of Hummingbirds

The Bretzfelder Park Committee and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests is hosting The Wonder of Hummingbirds, An Introduction to these Fascinating Birds, on March 13 at 6 at Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem.

Join Elizabeth (Betsy) Fraser to learn what has the weight of a penny, an average speed of 27 mph, and has a metabolism that is 300 times faster than an elephant’s. Enjoy a discussion about the numerous species of hummingbirds, where they reside and how diverse the species are. Fraser will focus on Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, the “hummers” that are found in the eastern United States, including New Hampshire.

March seems early to discuss hummingbirds however, the migration of Ruby Throats from the tropics heading northward is already underway. We’ll explore where they are in their migration and how to use various databases to track their progress northward, reaching our area by early May. If you are a hummer aficionado, come and share your information. Or if you’re just getting started, come, and learn tips on how to make your yard attractive to hummers. Fraser will discuss types of feeders, how to make nectar and how to set up your garden to attract hummers. She’ll share experiences of hummers swarming at the feeder, helping hummers make it through a freak May snowstorm, and having hummers eat out of her hand.

The free program is interactive and designed to engage and educate audience members of all ages.

About the Presenter

Elizabeth (Betsy) Fraser is a New Hampshire native who grew up in Littleton. She earned a Master of Science and PhD degree in the Environmental Sciences at Colorado State University and embarked on a career in the pharmaceutical industry. During her working years, she had the opportunity to lead worldwide programs in environment, health, and safety for major pharmaceutical companies. Her work involved extensive travel and working with colleagues located around the globe. She worked at Sanofi’s headquarters and lived in Paris, France for several years. Upon retirement, she returned to New Hampshire settling in Sugar Hill. She loves the outdoors, gardening and all things related to nature. She’s been an avid student of Ruby Throated Hummingbirds since the early 1990s and always enjoys the opportunity to talk hummers with others who are fascinated by these small birds.