A hummingbird banding demonstration will take place on Saturday, July 18, in Dutch John, providing a rare opportunity for the public to observe Utah's smallest pollinators. The event, held from 7-11 a.m. at the Red Canyon Lodge, is a collaborative effort between the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), Ashley National Forest, and Red Canyon Lodge.
During the demonstration, researchers will capture hummingbirds and apply small, uniquely numbered aluminum bands to their legs. This process allows biologists to track migration patterns and gather baseline data necessary for determining future conservation and management strategies for these species.
DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby stated that the population status of many hummingbird species remains unknown, making these banding efforts crucial for community education and scientific research. Over the last four years, biologists have banded more than 500 hummingbirds across four different species at this specific event.
Participants can expect to see various species migrating through northeastern Utah, including black-chinned, broad-tailed, calliope, and rufous hummingbirds. Kieffer-Selby noted that researchers hope to specifically band rufous hummingbirds, which travel from Canada and Alaska during July. The smallest of the group, the calliope hummingbird, can weigh as little as a penny and is capable of traveling up to 5,600 miles annually.
DWR biologists and staff will be available during the event to explain the banding process and answer questions. Attendees are encouraged to bring cameras to photograph the birds.
While the event is free, space is limited, and participants should sign up in advance via Eventbrite. Visitors to the area may also visit the nearby Red Canyon Visitor Center to observe other bird species and bighorn sheep near the Red Canyon Overlook.
To support local hummingbird populations, Kieffer-Selby recommends planting native species such as penstemon, bergamot, or agastache (hummingbird mint). For feeding, she suggests using a simple 4-to-1 water and sugar solution rather than red-dyed feeds and emphasizes the importance of cleaning feeders regularly to prevent cloudy sugar water.
