Hummingbird Banding at DCP

A favorite program returns to the park! Anyone who feeds or watches hummingbirds will love this program. It’s a little known fact that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds replace all their feathers every year. Because of this how would humans determine that the oldest known Ruby-throated Hummingbird has survived for over eight years? Join Amy Wilms to learn more about the hummingbirds that come to visit natural habitats and our own backyard feeders. Participants will learn amazing facts about their migration, their biology, and why they always look like they are fighting. She’ll share why banding is important, what banding has taught scientists about the birds, and the training involved in becoming a hummingbird bander. In addition, she’ll discuss how to age and sex the hummers that come to our feeders and how banders process and band these beautiful birds. Join us to explore these wonderful birds and what people can do to welcome hummingbirds to their backyards. Preregistration is required for this free morning of hummingbird exploration.

For more information about this program or any other Park District program or to register, please give the Nature Center a call at (937) 548-0165, or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know? Hummingbird leg bands are so tiny they fit on a toothpick or a safety pin. 

Darke Parks
Hummingbirds in a Hurry for August Park P.A.L.S.

Darke County Park District invites children in kindergarten through 2nd grade to join them on Aug. 6th from 10am to noon to explore hummingbirds during Park P.A.L.S! Please note the new 10:00 start time. Hummingbirds are the smallest warm blooded creatures on the planet. Learn which species of hummingbird summers in Ohio and about its long journey south during the winter. Students may even catch a glimpse of one at the feeders.

Park P.A.L.S. is a series of monthly programs designed for students of this age group who are interested in nature. P.A.L.S. stands for Practicing And Learning Stewardship, and its mission is to develop future earth stewards through meaningful educational opportunities and hands-on experiences in the natural world. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and preregistration is required. For any questions about the Park P.A.L.S. program or any other Park District programs or to register for the August class, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know: The average ruby-throated hummingbird weighs less than a nickel. 

Darke Parks