Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

On Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, SGG will once again host its most popular public event, Hummingbird Banding. Most people are fascinated by Hummingbirds because they are beautiful and are astounding aerial acrobats. I was telling my mother in Florida about this event when she interjected, “How in the world can you band those tiny little legs?”

Banding is definitely a skill that requires a permit, which not many people have. SGG is very fortunate to have Julia Elliot volunteer her time to show us all how it is done.

The only Hummingbirds we will see on Sept.8 at SGG will be the Ruby-throated. While we here in the East are blessed with many different warblers, our western states get the Hummingbird blessings, and Central America has so many different species that my head spins with Exorcism delight when I travel down there.

While in California recently, I spotted Black-chinned, Anna’s, Allen, and Rufous Hummingbirds.

Black Chinned Hummingbird                           

Allen’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird can be seen here in Georgia in the winter, but only the Ruby-throated breeds here. We are seeing so many Ruby-throats at our feeders right now because they have finished breeding and are plumping up for their arduous journey back to Central America for the late fall and winter. Studying the migration of these tiny birds will only increase your admiration for them. They are definitely more than just a pretty face!

If you are planning on coming to the Hummingbird Banding on Sept. 8, I will be on the back porch of the Hiram Butler House to answer, if I can, any questions you may have about Hummingbirds or just birds in general. Bring your binoculars and we can ID the birds coming to the SGG feeders.

Tickets available for Hummingbird Banding Event here

Hope to see you there!

Happy Birding!

    Pat Pepper

photos courtesy of Cornell Labs