Yesterday my partner T and I went to Henderson, MN for their hummingbird banding days. The event has become an annual festival for Henderson, pop. 910, and it seems the whole town turns out for it as well as dozens of birders and others interested in hummingbirds. There was a biologist there, Don Mitchell, who is one of about 150 federally licensed hummingbird banders in the U.S. I couldn't find the exact numbers but I believe I heard this was about year 12 of the event. It takes place at the home of one of the residents of Henderson who, in addition to their many hummingbird feeders, also has a large garden that attracts them. The birds are trapped in a wire cage - lured there by a nectar feeder - and then Don very carefully does his work. The birds are banded, measured, weighed and general health condition is determined. It was fun to watch and kind of amazing to see Don handle these tiny creatures which weigh between 3-4 grams. Don is incredibly patient and answered the same questions over and over again as each group came through. We got to see 2 bandings in person and another two on closed circuit video. T actually got to release one so had a chance to have it in her hand for a few seconds. Here are a few representative shots...
Don takes a look at the general condition of the bird
The bird is wrapped is a little piece of netting to be weighed
Here Don inspects the beak of a bird to determine if it is an adult or a hatch year juvenile.
In MN we have only one species of hummingbird, the Ruby Throated. We have never had a nesting pair in our yard but the birds do nest nearby. We only see them on our yard during the spring and fall migrations.
Don takes a look at the general condition of the bird
The bird is wrapped is a little piece of netting to be weighed
Here Don inspects the beak of a bird to determine if it is an adult or a hatch year juvenile.
In MN we have only one species of hummingbird, the Ruby Throated. We have never had a nesting pair in our yard but the birds do nest nearby. We only see them on our yard during the spring and fall migrations.