Spring heralds the return of the broadtail hummingbird to Colorado and the Starsmore Discovery Center in Colorado Springs is educating everyone about their journey.

“These tiny birds migrate all the way from Mexico and Central America to North Cheyenne Canyon Park right here in Colorado Springs,” said Melissa Walker with the center.

That’s why the center hosts a hummingbird festival every year. The center encourages children to make hummingbird feeders which help the birds save energy they might otherwise spend looking for food.

And the birds use a lot of energy; while they are hovering they can beat their wings as many as 60 times in a minute.

The hummingbirds are drawn to Colorado’s mountains.

“Most people don’t know hummingbirds come from such a long distance to raise their young,” said Walker.

“The special areas in the foothills and the mountains and the canyons of Colorado, that’s where the hummingbirds go.”

“We want everyone to known what an amazing thing it is for these tiny birds to make such a long journey.”