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