The Southwest Idaho Birders Association held a hummingbird banding event yesterday just north of Boise. Fred Bassett from Alabama was there, one of only about 200 certified hummingbird banders in the country. I took my daughter, and she really enjoyed touching and holding the precious hummingbirds. And so did I. Feeling their heart beat is incredible. This is a black chinned hummingbird, just like the ones that feed from flowers in our yard. Things we learned: their bills/beaks are flexible. Each bird weighs about the same as a penny. And underneath the feathers on their belly, their skin is transparent - and that's where you check for a small pocket of yellow fat. Fat is good, it means the hummingbird is getting ready to migrate. Black chinned hummingbirds like to winter in Mexico. The birds stay still when they're weighed, measured and banded. Then, they're held in hand until they realize they are free to go.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A Bird in the Hand - Black Chinned Hummingbird
The Southwest Idaho Birders Association held a hummingbird banding event yesterday just north of Boise. Fred Bassett from Alabama was there, one of only about 200 certified hummingbird banders in the country. I took my daughter, and she really enjoyed touching and holding the precious hummingbirds. And so did I. Feeling their heart beat is incredible. This is a black chinned hummingbird, just like the ones that feed from flowers in our yard. Things we learned: their bills/beaks are flexible. Each bird weighs about the same as a penny. And underneath the feathers on their belly, their skin is transparent - and that's where you check for a small pocket of yellow fat. Fat is good, it means the hummingbird is getting ready to migrate. Black chinned hummingbirds like to winter in Mexico. The birds stay still when they're weighed, measured and banded. Then, they're held in hand until they realize they are free to go.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Beautiful photo. It looks a lot like our Ruby-throated hummingbirds. I never have touched one.
ReplyDeleteWow, they keep still while they're being banded? Cool.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty bird. No hummingbirds here, though I know our university grounds are actually a bird migration layover spot (or whatever it's called).
I would be too scared that I'd hurt it.
ReplyDeleteHow memorable to hold such a beautiful little creature. I can't imagine. Wonderful photo and post.
ReplyDeleteThat is great information! And it reminds me, I need to refill my feeders! We love watching the hummingbirds. Thanks for your visits and comments on my blog.
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds so exciting.
ReplyDeleteYour description of how you can feel the heartbeat really makes me wanna hold it, and at the same time, afraid of touching it. ;-)