Visitors get up-close look at hummingbirds at recent Union County Festival Aug. 1-2

Area residents and visitors got a chance to see ruby-throated hummingbirds up close at the recent Illinois Audubon Hummingbird Festival Aug. 1-2.

The two-day event took place at the Trail of Tears State Forest near Jonesboro from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.

The Shawnee Audubon Society, a chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, hosted the event.

The Audubon Society is dedicated to conservation and the preservation of native fauna and flora in Southern Illinois.

Vernon Kleen, a member of the Illinois Audubon Society Board of Directors, was present to capture and band various hummingbirds during the festival.

Almost 100 birds were captured, measured, banded, and then released back into the wild.

The purpose of banding is a continuing study concerning the travel patterns of hummingbirds. This includes, how far they fly, where they stop and if they return to the same area.

Kleen said that hummingbirds hatched in a certain area always come back to that area; it is instinctual.

The hummingbirds captured during the festival were predominately female. The males began to leave at the end of July.

The hummingbirds at the festival were trapped in several cages and lured by sugar water that was provided all summer.

Kleen allowed everyone to feel the swift, rhythmic beating of a hummingbird’s heart.

Visitors could “adopt” a hummingbird with a donation of $5 dollars to the Illinois Audubon Society’s land acquisition fund.

They were then able to release their hummingbird back into its natural habitat. If the bird returns in later years, they will be notified by mail.

If you missed the Hummingbird Festival, The Illinois Audubon Society plans to host an Insect Awareness and Appreciation Day Aug. 22 at 3 p.m.

The event will take place at the War Bluff Valley near Golconda. There will be many activities, such as guided fieldtrips, workshops, insect crafts, live music, face painting and more.