hummingbirds

I just love getting e-mails from Wayne Mallinger from Madisonville because there's usually a wonderful photo attached. This one of a young male hummer.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are a big little deal at the nature center. Since 2009, Ijams has hosted the Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival. The annual event features speakers, children's activities plus craft, food and nursery vendors. 

But the true draw is to watch up-close Master Band Bander Mark Armstrong place a numbered leg band on captured hummers. Only the people that arrive early get to watch this citizen science practice. Below are photos from the 2012, 2013 and 2017 banding activities.    

Mark Armstrong, former Curator of Birds at Zoo Knoxville Zoo and 
licensed hummingbird bander. 2012

Before the bird is banded, it is weighed, measured and the gender is 
determined. 2012

How big is a band that fits on a hummingbirds leg? Eighteen of the tiny metal 
rings will fit on one side of a small safety pin. 2012

The first hummingbird caught and banded was a male. 2012

2012 photos by Ijams member and nature photographer Linda McGill.

Gar Secrist removes hummer caught in cage. 2013

Patty Ford transports two hummers to banding station. 2013

Master Bander Mark Armstrong weighs, measures and attaches 

a leg band to each hummingbird. 2013

Mark Armstrong holds adult male hummingbird about to be released. 2013

After banding, hummer is laid on the outstretched hand of a visitor and 

then BLAST OFF!, 2013

Young visitor getting to hold a hummingbird just before it flew away. 2017

Patty Ford holds a female hummer. 2017

Mark Armstrong and his banding partner/wife Jane Kading. 2017

The Zoo Knoxville's Steve McGaffin hands a hummingbird to be 
released to a young girl. 2017

2017 photos by Kristy Keel-Blaclmon

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are astonishing bantamweights. At on 3 grams—roughly the same heft as two dimes—having one in your hand is like holding a hope and a promise. 

In 2016, an adult male flew into a window at the Ijams Visitor Center and I held and fed it until it recovered enough to fly away. Rex McDaniel was on hand to photograph it. 

One of the most remarkable photos you'll ever see. Thank you, Rex.