Hummingbird Fest Bands 50(!) Birds
The Forest Preserve District of Will County hosted its annual hummingbird banding event on August 19 at Plum Creek Nature Center/Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. The banding, sponsored by Thorn Creek Audubon, was part of the Preserve’s Hummingbird Fest. Throughout the afternoon, groups of 50 learned about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in a half hour nature center presentation facilitated by Thorn Creek Audubon volunteer Diane Hicks.
Each group then moved to a tent outside to watch Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders gently capture and band these delightful birds. Vern Kleen, one of only three licensed hummingbird banders in the state of Illinois, banded the birds. Joel Craig along with daughters Anna and Alex captured birds at the nature center’s hummingbird feeders.
The captures included 21 adult females, 16 young males, 9 young females, and 3 adult males that were newly banded and 1 adult female previously banded here in 2021.
Attendees could adopt a hummingbird for a $5 donation and then release “their” bird. Vern’s wife, Betty, and Thorn Creek Audubon volunteers Marlys Oosting and Linda Hickey facilitated the adoptions.
The hummingbird banding event and other chapter projects are supported by Thorn Creek Audubon member dues and contributions.
> Click on any photo on the page to see a larger view
1. Cages are placed over hummingbird feeders. After a bird enters, a trained volunteer gently removes it and places it in a cloth bag. 2. The bags are lined up on a holder. 3. Details about the bird are recorded and a numbered band is attached to its leg. 4. Each bird is then released.
A close-up view of the banding is projected on a screen so that everyone can see how it's done.
August 23, 2023