HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – People in the community had the chance to learn about unique pollinators during the Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. On this hot day, plants were for sale and booths were set up with information about hummingbirds, but most importantly, birds were caught, banded, and released.

Near the butterfly garden, a colorful and unique feature at Jeffers Bend, volunteers were stationed as lookouts to watch the skies for incoming hummingbirds. Feeders were placed inside cages that would trigger shut to attempt to catch the fast birds. They were then gently placed inside mesh bags and sent to be banded where people could watch

Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)
Hummingbird Festival at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center. Aug. 25, 2024 (Daynnah Carmona)

When a bird was caught, people would quickly gather to watch the meticulous process of placing small bands, that are only millimeters wide, on the hummingbird’s legs. According to Christian County Master Gardener Susan Childs, it helps track migration patterns since the bands provide information about where they were previously caught. She added that the hummingbirds may travel as far as South America and return to Christian County next year.

Other important information is logged, and measurements are taken of their wings, beaks, and weight. After the brief tests, the calm hummingbird was placed in the hand of an onlooker and released back into the sky. Volunteers also noted that the bands are custom fit for each bird and does not harm them in any way.

In addition to the banding, children attending had the chance to win money through the poster contest where they drew pictures about the importance of birds, free refreshments were passed out, and multiple hummingbird crafts and vendors were set up teaching crowds about the importance of the little birds.

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