Sue Nielsen

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

HILLIARDTON ‒ Hummingbirds are a joy to watch at backyard feeders but more magical to watch up close.

Just over 300 people flocked to the Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre (HMREC) to view hummingbirds up close during their annual Hummingbird Garden Party, held on Saturday, August 16.

It was one of the largest crowds to attend any event at the Marsh since the new visitor centre was created.

The parking lot was full and cars were parking alongside each other on the Hilliardton Highway as visitors were eager to see the tiny birds up close.

Along with hummingbird banding, there were monarch butterfly cocoon displays, aquatic creature exploration, crafts, face painting, songbird banding, vendors and garden tour activities.

While hummingbirds could be seen occasionally flitting past people, they were held in the hands of Joanne Goddard, an expert hummingbird bander.

“We banded four hummingbirds today, but because of the large crowds and the heat, we aren’t getting many birds in the nets,” said Goddard.

It was one of the largest crowds to ever attend an event at The Marsh.

She demonstrated how a tiny metal ring is placed on the leg of a hummingbird.

FALL MIGRATION

Jacob Lachapelle, a Marsh bird bander, said after one week of banding, they have banded more than 1,000 birds during the fall migration, which began in early August.

They are seeing large numbers of flycatchers and vireos moving through with warblers becoming more and more prevalent each day of banding.

On good days, the crew at the marsh have banded upwards of 200 birds in a single day.

Bird banding allows ornithologists and conservationists an opportunity to monitor bird populations and the health of birds.

The public banding hours will end at the end of August, but Lachapelle said the public is more than welcome to contact them if they wish to come to the marsh and view the bird banding process.

Next up is the northern saw-whet owl private banding sessions, which the public can book closer to mid-September.

The Marsh will be releasing the private owl banding dates this month, said Lachapelle.