Weldon Springs has recently been showcasing one of its most unique birds.

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to look at when visiting the springs.  Throughout the summer, hummingbirds make their home at the park. Carol Thompson, Natural Resources Coordinator at Weldon Springs says over the years, she has noticed the same attributes to several of the birds, making her think the same ones may come back year after year. Because of this, the park hired a hummingbird bander to test the theory.

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Once again this year the park will work to temporarily capture the birds and "band" the birds. Thompson explains this is a process once the bird has been trapped, grabbing it, then registering the band number being applied to the bird, and waiting to see if it will return again for the next year.

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Hummingbirds will fly to central America for the winter month, and Thompson notes, in mid-August, they caught a bird that had returned to Weldon Springs, which they had banded last year.

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Thompson says the experience of picking up a hummingbird is a unique experience.  Because of it's light weight, Thompson must be extra careful when handling one. She adds it feels like you are holding a small heartbeat.

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Thompson notes they have been working on banding birds all summer, but right now there is a high number of hummingbirds at the park. Now is also a great time to head out for bird watchers to see them, and the variations of their colors.