Beckham Bird Club: Hummingbird banding at Yew Dell Gardens -Crestwood, Kentucky

Held during the height of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird's migration across North America, the Beckham Bird Club catch and 'band' these tiny birds by attaching minute, individually numbered rings to their legs. A record of weight, beck and wing length is taken with the hope that the bird maybe re-caught next year.

a female ruby-throated hummingbird

the tools required to band the birds; the metal bands fit the end of a needle

placing the hummingbird into the toe-end of ladies hosiery enables easier handling

performing the banding; a tricky task

measuring the beak of a male ruby-throated hummingbird

weighing the hummingbird; a fully grown, healthy adult may reach the weight of 5 grams before migration

measuring the wing length

accessing the condition of the beak

once the banding is completed the bird is released

A Dead Bird Found Near My Porch

possibly a warbler?

Bob White Quail Release: their first day of freedom

a caught bob white quail; surprisingly small and difficult to catch

being released into a field within the natural areas

with a little encouragement

Lepidoptery: The study of moths and butterflies

One evening in the research forest at Bernheim, a group of lepidopterists used equipment consisting of white sheets and ultraviolet lights to attract the moths. As the night went on more finds were discovered.

Bob White Quails at Bernheim:

Bob White Quails have been in rapid decline in recent years due to loss of habitat and food. Bernheim have been in the process bringing this elusive bird back to the forests; they are soon to release their 1000th chick

a young bob white quail, almost ready to be released into the wild

spraying the quails with water encourages natural oils in their feathers to develop

bob white chicks being placed in their new home for next few weeks

a newly hatched chick

incubators in the research building