Tags
Alaska, biological research, Bird, bird banding, Boise National Forest, Boise State University, data, Hummingbird, Idaho, Mexico, migration
Please forgive me for shamelessly reposting this report that was initially published in August of 2013.
Whoohoo! An update to this post: Today, The Idaho Statesman reports that hummingbird banding projects across the country are paying off with new understandings and fresh questions about the life of a hummingbird. It is becoming clear that the life span of hummingbirds is much longer than the two to three years originally assumed. And a new-to-Idaho species, the Anna’s hummingbird, has made several appearances. The crucial missing link in this long-term research is active bird-banding at the migration destinations in Mexico and Central America.
Between May and September, hummingbirds are on the move across Idaho. At least three species of these itsy-bitsy birdies—smallest bird species in the world—migrate from their winter range in Mexico to their breeding range in Alaska and back again.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO), a department of biological sciences at Boise State University, “monitors the abundance, breeding condition, and migratory timing . . . of the hummingbirds that use the Boise National Forest during the breeding and migration season.” The data is shared with the Hummingbird Monitoring Network and the Western Hummingbird Partnership. Reliable data helps scientists understand the migration patterns and monitor threats to the continued success of the hummingbird. Last year IBO captured 368 birds, 48 of which were sporting bands from previous captures. The breakdown:
- 178 Black-chinned – weighs about as much as a nickel
- 177 Calliope – smallest migrating creature in the world; weighs about the same as a penny
- 13 Rufous – most aggressive. Has been observed attacking an eagle!
I recently observed an IBO hummingbird banding session in the hills north of Boise. Activity begins as the sun crests the horizon. Dressed in sweatshirts and hoodies, a team of students and trained volunteers traps, weighs, measures and evaluates the condition of, and bands about 70 birds during a 4-5 hour session. The birds are most active at dusk and dawn, while the temperature is cool.
The net above the feeder will drop, safely trapping the bird
An experienced handler gently captures the bird, which stops struggling as soon as warm hands close around it.
Body fat, feather characteristics, sex, and general condition are evaluated.
…and recorded.
Wing measurement
Beak measurement (glad they didn’t hold that thing up to MY beak!)
A snack to reduce stress.
Selecting & recording the band.
Attaching the band.
The best part: Onlookers get to release the banded birds. They sit for a moment or two, gathering their wits
The feel of their heartbeat in your palm is magical. Sometimes it takes a puff of breath to remind them they are free.
All gone!
The mission of IBO is: Impacting human lives and significantly contributing to conservation through a unique combination of cooperative research focusing on migratory birds, education, discovery of the natural world, and community engagement. Hummingbird banding is just one of their many projects.
Rangewriter 
Hummingbirds are fantastic creatures. It’s always fun to watch them in activity. And it must have been fun to observe (and photograph) the work that IBO does. Great post – and great photos.
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Thanks,it was fun. I’ve also enjoyed watching a pair that come to the feeder in my yard, a first for me. They are magnificent.
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Hummingbirds come and go so quickly, we’re often left questioning whether it’s really what we saw. So thank you for this wonderful post, including the great pictures. How big are those bands, and where are they attached on the birds?
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Thanks Charles. Hummingbirds are between 3-5 inches long. The bands are between 4-9 mm and come in sheets which must be cut apart. (This had already been done prior to arrival at the banding site) The birds weigh about as much as a penny…yes we still have pennys even though you brilliant Canadians have retired them. The bands are stamped with unique numbers and are placed on the hummingbird’s leg. The oldest recorded hummingbird sported a band that had been attached 10 years earlier. (This was not here, in Idaho, but on the east coast where banding has been done for a much longer time.) It was a really wonderful experience. I hope to go again some time.
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An amazing post Linda. Very interesting
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Glad you enjoyed it Walter. Thanks for stopping by.
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Most interesting, Rangewriter. How long does the process take for each bird? And how much do the bands weigh? Can’t be much on a bird that weighs as much as a nickel. Seems it wouldn’t take much weight to make an impact on their endurance and need for feed.
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Dean, the aluminum bands weigh less than 1/100 of a gram. Someone likened the weight to that of a gold wristwatch on a man’s arm. The process takes maybe 5 minutes per bird, depending upon the skill of the handler. They have codes for all sorts of things like damage on a specific wing feather and whatnot. So the handler dictates to a recorder everything about the bird, size, weight, condition, special notes. The actual placement of the band is quicker than I can put on an earring. There’s a delicate balance between trapping enough birds to keep the crew busy without having a backlog of birds hanging in individual net bags waiting to be banded. Thanks for the great questions.
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Thanks for sharing this. It is so cool. I was watching a local show on PBS and there is a woman in the NC mountains who has several hummingbird feeders. She gets about 40 or so at a time come through each day in season. And, when she takes a feeder down they hover around her and will land in her open palms. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. They trusted her. Great story and pictures. BTG
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I’ll have to look for that PBS show. I bet it’s on the net somewhere. Earlier this summer I visited some friends at their cabin just less than 2 hours north of here. They have about an acre of yard around their place. They keep it green and park-like as a buffer against wildfire. Around their cabin they must have a dozen hb feeders, which need to be filled nearly every other day. The hummers flock to these feeders but I don’t think they’ve ever landed on Bill when he’s changing the nectar. That would be so awesome. I know have a feeder in front of and in back of my house. The one in back is getting some activity which delights me to no end. Thanks so much for you kind words. 😉
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This is truly a thrilling read and visuals. I will share with my kids tonight; this will trump our viewing a hawk fight with Robins at a Refuge on Long Island earlier this month
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Well the hawk/robin duel sounds pretty amazing, too! I’m honored. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your calling card. 😉
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Hi Linda, you say: “Between May and September, hummingbirds are on the move across Idaho. At least three species of these itsy-bitsy birdies—smallest bird species in the world—migrate from their winter range in Mexico to their breeding range in Alaska and back again.”
I’d like to know more about the times when they move, I mean do all birds move as far as Alaska? At what time would they reach Alaska and at what time would they actually be in Mexico?
Your pictures are beautiful, Linda. Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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You ask good questions Auntyuta. I am no expert, but I did ask the same questions. Actually, not all of the birds go all the way north. Some find good accommodations along the way. For example I think there is a nesting pair that visit the feeder in my backyard. And I have friends with a cabin in the woods north of here. They put out many feeders for birds and hummingbirds. It’s a real banquet and many of the hummers stay and nest in that area. Hummingbirds tend to return to areas where they have been successful in the past. Research biologists have studied my friends’ birds and found many repeat visitors. The IBO gets less than 10% pre-banded birds, but this could simply be because the banding program here is only a few years old. Not that many birds have been banded yet. I imagine, as time goes forward, they will capture more and more birds already sporting a number.
It normally takes one or two weeks to make the 3,000+ mile journey from Mexico to Alaska. Some hummers must cross the Gulf of Mexico which is an 18 – 24 hour non-stop flight! They are really amazing creatures. They leave Mexico anywhere from February to early May.Their journey is timed to coincide with the flowers they will need along the way. They leave Alaska in August or very early September and they travel solo. No herd mentality here.
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Thanks for this great reply, Linda. You say they travel solo. But what about pairing? Do they fly in pairs? It is truly amazing how a tiny bird like this can do an 18 – 24 hour non-stop flight!
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They do not fly in pairs. Usually the males precede the females by a few days to weeks. I’m not sure who does the nest building. They don’t pair up for life like some species.
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OMG what a THRILL !
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Yes! It was.
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Linda, Linda – – – – – Wonderful, beautiful little creatures, and you have presented them and their story beautifully as well. I’m going to place it on my Facebook Timeline and also on Twitter. Everybody should be so lucky to read and see this one!!!!!!
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Thank you dear friend!
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You know, all you need to do is hit one of the share buttons at the end of the post. 😉
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Did you go up to Lucky Peak to watch this? Oh I so love hummingbirds. I will plant more of the hummingbird plants in my garden next spring because they attract these wonderful creatures. I tried a feeder but I bought a cheap one that leaked. And the bees attacked it, too.
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Actually, this event takes place at a private home just west of Idaho City.
For several years I had wanted to get a hb feeder, but I didn’t want the cheap plasticy kind, I wanted a nice, handmade piece of art! So last fall I paid nearly $25 for a lovely blown glass feeder. When I hauled it out this year and filled it, the syrup ran out like from a faucet. I was so mad. But I hung it up anyway, as something pretty to look at. Then it blew down in a windstorm and shattered all over the patio. So…I purchased the cheapy plastic kind, filled it and it leaked! Boiling by now, I went on line and discovered that I had purchased the feeder with the most outstanding reputation. Other users complained of the same problem and were instructed to be sure the feeder parts were tightly screwed shut, especially the top lid which creates a vacuum. I tried again and have had almost no leakage. I didn’t have bee/wasp issues till just this week. I’m not sure what to do about that.
I thought the birds would be better off with flower nectar, but have learned that the concentrated sugar water is crucial to their survival. Oh I have one at the feeder, this very moment!
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Well, you’ve convinced me to try again – I’ll look into it next year after I’ve done a little bit more research into a leak proof feeder. I would love to have lots of hummingbirds buzzing around my yard! Thank you, Linda!
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Actually, I went to a private home just west of Idaho City for this event. Funny thing about feeders. I’d been wanting one for some time, but I wanted something nice and artsy fartsy. So I paid about $25 for one at Art in the Park last year. This spring when I went to fill it, I had a devil of a time getting the stopper out, then when I filled it, the liquid ran out like from a faucet! Boy was I mad. But I hung it up anyway, as a pretty object to look at. A wind storm blew it down and it shattered all over my patio. So off I go to get a chintzy plastic one. It leaked. Boiling by now…me, not the sugar water…I went on line and discovered I had purchased the most highly rated feeder. Others had complained of the leaking problem and were told to be sure all the parts are tightly screwed together, especially the top lid which forms a vacuum. I have followed that advice and not had leakage. I didn’t have bee/wasp problems till just this week. Not sure what to do about that. The hummers are surprisingly cautious about bees, considering how agressive they are with each other….oh, I have one as we speak! Bird, that is. I also discovered that the sugar water is an important compliment to their diet of flower juice and insects. They really need to store up a lot of fat to be able to withstand that long migration.
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Unbelievable! Love the photos. And, “A snack to reduce stress.” Hey, it works for me. I’m so glad you did this…and shared your fabulous photos. I keep meaning to contact IBO and participate in a banding event. Yes, yes, I shared a building with them for 4 years, but just never got it done…
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I would do this again in a heartbeat. Especially because it is in the morning when the weather is cool. I think a lot of the other events are in the late afternoon. Brggggh. But if you go to one of them, let me know. I’d love to go with you. I’d like to see the procedure with larger birds, too.
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Amazing! thank you so much for sharing this – I have always been amazed that those teeny creatures can survive even in Wyoming! I hope you got to hold one, too!
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I did, Ursula. And I have become quite besotted with these tiny creatures. I have a few regular visitors to my own feeders here at home. They are astonishing!
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What an amazing thing to take part in! As I’m typing this I have two girl hummingbirds outside my window, chasing each other around. I’d say it’s some kind of “turf war”. 😉
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Oh yes, they are very territorial. I think I’ve got two girls fighting over my feeder also. This is my first year to have a feeder at my house. I am completely besotted by these little creatures! 😉
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OMG so tiny. 🙂 Wonderful photos.
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Thanks! Yes, they are so tiny, so beautiful, and so amazing!
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Cool post, Linda.
My most memorable hummingbird moment was in Alaska of all places! We were at this wonderful glacial lodge on what seemed like the top of the top, and there were flocks of hummingbirds at their feeders! I’ve never seen so many of the tiny winged wonders! I guess they had just arrived from their southern migration, as it was late May, so they must have been hungry. Still a very vivid memory for me after about 13 years.
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I can imagine, Doreen. I also saw a bunch at a roadside stop on a mountain highway in Utah. I remember spending about an hour just staring at those amazing creatures. Now I’ve got a feeder in my yard and I’m enjoying getting to know a few “locals.” They only come one at a time. If 2 show up, there’s a winged battle and they both fly away in a huff.
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You find the most fascinating things to do with yourself! We had hummingbird feeders for a couple of years but then I heard there are concerns about the birds getting sick if the feeders aren’t kept clean enough and, with my inattention to cleaning, I took them down. And while I occasionally see them around the honeysuckles while they’re blooming other than that…nyet. This inspires me to get another feeder. I didn’t realize the same ones will come back again and again.
And I had no idea that migrated over that kind of distance!! Mind-blowing.
GREAT POST!
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Yes, I’ve thrown away a lot of sugar water this year. But heck, I don’t use a lot of sugar, so why not. I started with one bird. (I think) Then I noticed 2 duking it out. Now a third, much larger and more aggressive one has shown up.I am in heaven!
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Reblogged this on The Odd and Unmentionable and commented:
This is something I’ll have to look into doing next year! I can’t imagine actually holding a hummingbird. Wow.
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Beautiful blog of beautiful birds, thanks!
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Thank you so much, Rider. As soon as I get time, I hope to check out your site too.
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I remember seeing a hummingbird in the flesh for the first time when I moved from PA to southern CA. Up to that point, they had been “National Geographic” animals to me — exotic creatures seen in color photographs, but not for real. I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I saw one right in front of me, just zipping around on its own birdy business outside my apartment window. They still amaze me, and I’ve lived here for almost 25 years now.
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Growing up in Laramie, Wyoming, hummingbirds were ethereal, for sure. I might have seen a fleeting glimmer once or twice, but it wasn’t till moving to Idaho that I really saw any up close. Who could not fall in love with them? Thanks for stopping by. 😉
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Hello, I am new to the blogging world. I see that you have a good audience on your blog. I am an author and I just published my autobiography. I self published so I need to market it on my own. I want to raise awareness about my book so that it can reach and impact as many people as possible. If you can put this on your blog for your readers I would greatly appreciate it. I see that you have quote the following and it would really help if I had somebody with experience to help me promote my book. Thank you!! If you can even go to my blog and ‘reblog’ my post about my book that would be awesome thank you so much!!
http://www.createspace.com/4271634
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I might recommend that you use Twitter, particularly checkout @TweetSmarter. Good luck with your book.
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Hey! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! Get ready for the overwhelm of follow-spammers and commenters though…
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Oh lordy, yes. It has already begun. I never thought I’d find myself in such good company. 😉
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They should call it Freshly Stressed instead of Freshly Pressed. I’ve reported literally tons and tons of spammers who’ve spammed me with fake “follows” and spammy self-promoting and/or troll comments just since I’ve been Freshly Stressed.
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Yeah, there’s always a downside, eh?
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I live in Ohio and enjoy my hummingbirds immensely. I know they migrate but have no knowledge where they go and what makes them decide to come to Ohio! I would love to hold one. They amaze me! As I read the article it appears the banding and testing doesn’t harm the birds; in fact, seems like great lengths are taken to train the volunteers to insure the hummingbird’s health & safety. It is not obvious to me why it should stop. What am I missing?
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I certainly didn’t mean to imply that banding should stop. It is a critical step in learning more about hummingbirds and their elusive and amazing feats and how we can best help them survive a changing environment. The bird handlers are, as you say, carefully trained and they treat the birds with the utmost care and respect. What is amazing is how docile these rather bellicose beasts become once they’re in hand. It’s as if they know it’s pointless to fight, so they conserve their strength. This is why they usually need a little puff of air to let them know they are free to go. Some of them stayed on people’s hands for quite some time. But the banders stand by and make sure the little guys get a good send off without too much delay.
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Please forgive me – I obviously misunderstood! I am so jealous when I see the pictures of people holding the hummingbirds. I would love to be able to do that. Thank you!
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No worries! It’s easy to misinterpret things on the internet. I totally get your envy. I can hardly believe I did this and observed it so close up! It really is cool. Maybe there is an organization near you that does something like this? I know there is an eastern migratory pattern that is distinct from the western migration. Those that travel east are the one who must cross the Gulf of Mexico all in one go. Can you imagine?
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It is amazing to me. I will look into it and see if I can find an organization similar. Thanks again!
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Good look in your search.
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Absolutely adore hummingbirds..I’ve not seen many on this coast as I did on the West Coast..Couldn’t resist taking a peek at your write when I saw the title under F.P..Lovely pictures! 2 thumbs UP on your write…
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Thanks so very much for stopping by my site and leaving me a thumbs up! I am twice thrilled: First by the hummers, then by F.P. 😉
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🙂
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How beautiful they are….I have never seen them in real….I guess their sound would be more like a melody 🙂 Love the pictures and Congrats for being freshly pressed 🙂 Many warm wishes and Hugs xx
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Oh thank you White Pearl! I’m a bit giddy here, first by the hummers and secondly by Freshly Pressed. They are well named. When they approach my feeder in the back yard, I often hear them before I see them because the hum of those wings is surprisingly loud. And then, if there is more than one bird around, their squeaks are astounding. They sound like the squeaks in a cat’s toy. I love ’em! Thanks so much for dropping by and saying hi. 😉
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Aww that would be lovely, No ? I wish I could hear them humming too 🙂 The pleasure was all mine…you seems like a very nice lady 🙂 Love you ! xx
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Such little tweety-pies! I’ve got Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds at my feeder as we speak. Feisty little critters. Even though the Rufous are smaller, they usually kick the Anna’s butts: Attitude is everything.
I’ve never had the delight of holding a hummingbird but a week or so ago, I was able to rescue a Murre fledgling from some hungry seagulls on the Oregon coast. I had to carry him/her almost a quarter mile to my truck and, boy, was that little body warm! I actually found a wildlife rehabilitationist in a small coastal town on a Sunday and was able to deliver my fuzzy little prize into good hands, literally and figuratively. Very gratifying.
Keep up the good work!
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Oh my, wonderful rescue work on your part! Yes, I read that those little Rufous (Rufi?) are the most aggressive of all the hummers. Funny. I hope you’ll some day have the pleasure of holding a hummingbird in the palm of your hand and watching it fly off into the blue yonder.
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My wife and myself found this amazing.
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Good, glad to satisfy.
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How awesome! I have a couple of times found a ruby
Throated hummer on the ground, either stunned by flying into the window, and/or got too cold, wonderful to get to hold, comfort, warm up a bird soooo tiny!
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Oh, I just heard some awful statistic about the number of hummingbirds that fly into highrise windows during their east coast migration. Sad. As if declining habitat, house cats, and moving objects weren’t obstacles enough. 😦
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Wow this is very amazing! one of the first close up humming bird pictures I ever saw. You must be very lucky to hold a humming bird. liked and followed !
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Thanks! It was the first that close-up picture I ever took! Thanks for the follow and the comment.
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Your welcome! have a good night 😀
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🙂 I did, thank you very much. Another day to watch the hummers come to my feeder. Pretty soon they’ll be gone for the season. 😦
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Awww thats too bad. But they will come again right? Have a good one 🙂
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I surely hope so! Something to look forward to when I’m staring out at snow and drizzle.
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Great stuff. Saw a rufous recently take on a jay in my Willamette Valley backyard. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. You can’t catch me, I’m the ……………………….
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Thanks for sharing that Carrico. I bet it was a sight to see.
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Very nice. Learned something new.
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Great! And thanks for stopping by and leaving your calling card!
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Just a few days ago a hummingbird hovered in front of me for a few magical moments. We evaluated one another and I was humbled to have had such an encounter. The banding must have been truly amazing.
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The banding wes amazing.And this year I’ve put out a couple of feeders at my house. It’s both thrilling and intimidating when one of the hummers flies up to within inches of my face and hovers there for a beat. I’m never sure if it’s a prelude to an attack or a parting bow of gratitude for the feeder.
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I’ve always found it inspiring that a creature so small can be so majestic, it really puts our technological pride to shame !
The Rufous sound like they know the saying ”the best defense is offense”, I would be amazed to see such a small creature attacking an eagle.
I just hope they didn’t leave out it’s demise and that it lived to fight another day 🙂
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Yes, I agree that the technology of these little marvels trumps ours. I’ve seen small birds attacking hawks and eagles mid-air. They are ferocious as the come in from behind and below to nip at the heels (so to speak) of the larger birds. I suspect the Rufous flew back home to puff out it’s tiny chest. 😉
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beautiful birds… you are lucky to have such an insight into these incredible creatures.
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All newly acquired insight, I assure you! 🙂
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How did you get into banding? Such rewarding work I would think
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I’d been meaning to explore the work of the Idaho Bird Observatory, (run through Boise State University Biology Department) for some time. When I heard about this opportunity I jumped on it. They also band owls, hawks, curlews, and a host of other birds. I have yet to participate in one of those other functions, but do hope to.
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Thanks Katm. I thought I’d already responded, but it looks like I was wrong. The perils of Freshly Pressed. 😉
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it’s wonderful. congrats on freshly pressed. x
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We keep a bed of red fuchsias going as our local hummingbirds seem to prefer the blossoms to the sugar water in feeders. I encourage people to plant hummer-friendly flowers to help them feed naturally.
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I agree. However, in learning more about them, I discovered that the sugar water is really very good for them because it provides a good “bang for the buck.” They need to store up a tremendous amount of body fat before beginning the long migration, during which time, they don’t feed much. They cross the Gulf of Mexico without ever taking a break…yeah…like where would they, eh?
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Great images. I always wondered how you’d tag something so small. We saw 2 or 3 beautiful species of hummingbirds in Big Sur last week. They were extremely territorial- it’s amusing to watch something so small try to be aggressive.
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Yes, and when one of those tiny ferocious little buggers hovers before your eyes, it’s not only amusing, but slightly unnerving, as well! Thanks for dropping by.
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Very interesting read with awesome photos, thanks for the read.
Congrats on getting pressed!!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a ‘calling card.’ Glad you enjoyed it.
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I have always, always, always wanted to volunteer to do something like this. As an aspiring birder, nothing could be more grand. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m coming late to my fascination with birds. This experience about pushed me over the edge! So cool. Thanks for stopping by!
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wow, who would have thought they could attack eagles
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I know. It’s a real David and Goliath story, eh? Thanks for dropping by, my friend.
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I saw a hummingbird (don’t know what kind) land on my granddaughter’s head. She was about 6 or 7 years old, and has an exceptional ability to connect to animals, and seems to understand that being very still is part of that connection. This happened on the edge of a scrap of rainforest in Panama. She is now 11 years old, and lives in a rainforest on the side of a mountain in north east Australia. I will send this to her.
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Oh my gosh, Claire that must have been amazing! She talks to animals! Thanks so much for dropping by and for leaving a calling card. 🙂
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This is so marvelously stunning. Great photographs!
Do they do this often or only once a year? This is surely a wonderful event to be part of. 😀
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I think they do this several times during the migratory season, between May and August. I hope to go back again soon. Well…it might have to be next spring. Idaho Bird Observatory also bands and catalogs other birds like owls, hawks, eagles, falcons, and quite a number of other larger birds. I’ve yet to go to one of those events. Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a calling card. 😉
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Reblogged this on samkroby.
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Um, thanks, I think. Good luck with your new site.
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That was amazing to see and read…
~~~~Felicia
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Thanks a bunch, Felicia. Glad you enjoyed.
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Ah yes… The time in future space when the human being may track any animal by mere thoughts at whim. Beautiful pictures!
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Thanks, 2cups. I don’t think this tracking is for mere amusement and human vanity. The data collected goes toward environmental and biological research.
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Very interesting rangewriter, now I have a question; to my own understanding most of the birds like to sing when the wind blows, now have you ever heard a hummingbird singing? And another question if a hummingbird lays an egg what’s the approx measurement for such an invisible thing?
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Yacovan, thanks for stopping by and asking some great questions. I’ll give it a go, although I”m no expert.
I’ve never heard of birds singing when the wind blows. And I’ve never heard them singing then either…but would I hear them over the wind? I always assumed they hunkered down somewhere safe.
Hummingbirds have a very distinctive little chirp. They can be quite chatty around the feeder. Sometimes sipping, chirping, sipping, chirping. It’s cute. If you have an iPhone you can download a bird app and hear the hummer chirp. I also saw a video of a hummer supposedly snoring. But I suspect something phony going on there, or maybe it was in a lab. It was poorly documented, so….
I’ve never actually seen a hummer nest, only photos. The nest is about the size of a ping pong ball and the eggs, usually two per mom, are laid a day apart and are usually the size of a jellie bellie or a large pea.
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Having worked as a turtle ranger myself I know how unique these encounters with wild animals are. I love the fact that this IBO program lets ordinary people partake in essential research and simultaneously sparks a sense of responsibility in the general population.
Oh and look at the most stunning plumage in the second picture. Simply adorable! And a well-deserved honour to get freshly pressed for this wonderful article, Linda!
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It really is cool. The kids’ excitement is half the fun. And everyone was so polite and careful about taking turns to hold/release the birds. They were also very kind to me with my big bulky camera and my hate-to-aim-it-at-people phobias. Thanks, again Sandra. It’s great to see an old friend, no…I mean a long term, young friend, amongst all the newbies who’ve popped up out of the wide blue yonder. 😉
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Thanks for this post. I’ve worked with birds for 6 years but never hummingbirds; I’ve caught a few by accident while trying to catch other species, and handling them is always terrifying. All birds are delicate, but hummingbirds just seem cobweb-fragile. I’m studying your photos now trying to figure out how they hold the little guys securely enough to measure. Most birds you hold either by the legs or the neck, but hummingbirds don’t really have either of those!
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Oh dear, now I’m lamenting my photo skills! I watched as they reached into the nets to grab the little flying demons. It seemed that they tried to cup the bird from behind and gently encapsulate the animal in their hands. Once the bird was cradled by that warm hand, all struggle ceased. I don’t know if it was the warmth or simply understanding that to struggle was a waste of energy. I wish you luck in dealing with them. Wish I could offer more.
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Thanks! And no worries, if I ever need to actually measure hummingbirds I’ll get a proper tutorial – I was just curious, since I’d been taught the “pencil grip” method (thumb under breast, forefinger on back, gently) and these people were clearly doing something else. Very interesting!
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I love this blog! To hold a hummingbird is indeed a rare privilege! Brought back memories of seeing these mystical creatures in my garden at home…Thanks for sharing.
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Oh sweet. Very kind of you. I hope you will have the pleasure of sharing a garden with hummers again some time. I’ve had them in my yard this year for the first time. What joy they bring. Thanks for dropping by.
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Reblogged this on Volpe Life and commented:
My mother is a HUGE fan of hummingbirds, This is for you, MOM!
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Oh, how cool! Thanks so much for reblogging. I’m honored.
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Absolutely! Thanks for posting such an awesome post!! 🙂
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This is, indeed, a fantastic post. I love the photos of the birds. The second one is a real beauty. I haven’t see one like that. I have mostly the emerald-colored ones in my yard. They love the trumpet vine blossoms. I am very interested in the banding and tracking of this wonderful little bird. Thanks for posting. I didn’t get the post in my Reader, I think.
Congratulations on the Freshly Pressed feature. The post is not only beautiful, but it is informative too.
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Thanks! I’ll be back to peruse your site, soon. 😉
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Reblogged this on dyke writer.
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If I could do whatever I wanted, I think I might choose to sit all day and just watch hummingbirds!
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I agree. 😉
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Good grief. Scientists are such idiots. If it weren’t for the harm done to the birds I’d be laughing. But I suppose we all have to earn a living.
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I’m sorry you feel that way. Since you were not there, I am curious what harm was done to the birds. BTW, w/o scientists, you and I would not be communicating and I might very well no longer be alive. No profession is without problems, but scientists, (these volunteers in particular)have my deepest respect.
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Nice post 🙂
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Thanks! I appreciate your visit.
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Lovely post. I’ve spent hours upon hours watching black-chin hummers. Quite fierce!
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Thanks so much for dropping by to say hello. Yes, these little creatures are really endlessly fascinating.
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I think it’s funny (as a scientist and lover of nature) that people would think our goal is to harm life. If scientists didn’t study these creatures, some of our attempts to help them could actually harm them.
Moving to a colder climate I didn’t know that leaving out bird feeders (especially for the hummers) could result in their death ( thumbs up for bird lovers)
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So true. And in the past, some of our attempts to help have resulted in harm. And some of our attempts now may result in harm, but knowledge is power. The more we learn, the less unintentional harm we will do. Let’s face it, our presence on the planet is plenty harmful to most species anyway!
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Marvellous!
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Thanks, Sue. 😉
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I’ve never saw a hummingbird in nature, because they don’t live here. But they look so small and interesting. Have a nice day! 😉
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They are truly amazing little birds.Their flight is unique in that they can hover like a helicopter, remaining suspended in the air as if hung from a string, they can fly backwards or sideways. When I was a child I was told that a hummingbird’s wings are always moving, and they do move a lot, even usually while they are feeding. But they do stop occasionally and perch on the feeder or on power line, just enjoying the warmth of the sun. I have seen photos of their tiny nests, but have yet to actually see one in person. I am bewitched by hummingbirds, as you may have guessed! lol
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