High Country Hummers Event Scheduled July 26July 9th, 2008
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again offering a unique opportunity for people to learn more about Arizona’s hummingbirds at the sixth annual High Country Hummers event. On Saturday, July 26, Sheri Williamson, one of the nation’s foremost experts on hummingbirds, will conduct a capture and bird-banding event that is free and open to the public at the department’s Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area in eastern Arizona.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get up close and personal with these flying jewels,” said Bruce Sitko, spokesman in the department’s Pinetop office. “We are quite fortunate to get Sheri, who is the author of the ‘Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America,’ to come demonstrate her re-search.”
The one-of-a-kind program will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 12 noon. Observers will be able to interact with Williamson as they watch her and her staff measure, weigh and band birds. They will also be able to use a stethoscope to hear a hummingbird’s heart beat more than 200 times a minute.
Other fun programs will be offered at the wildlife area that day. There will be an exhibit featuring live hawks and owls. Visitors can view a slide presentation on hummingbird natural history. White Mountain Audubon members will lead a “birding basics” hike. There will be a dedication of the Little Colorado River Important Bird Area. Plus, people are welcome to explore the visitor center’s interpretive displays on wild-life, habitats, prehistoric culture and conservation.
“We encourage people to come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors,” said Sitko. “It’s a good idea to bring a camera and binoculars. Concessions will be provided by the Springerville-Eagar Regional Chamber of Commerce, or folks can bring their own food and water. We also require that pets be kept on a leash.”
The Sipe Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive about five miles, on a dirt road suitable for passenger cars, to the Sipe property.
For more information on this special event, contact the Pinetop Game and Fish office at (928) 367-4281.
 Photo courtesy of the Arizona Game and Fish Department
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most colorful of the High Country Hummers, and is sure to be a favorite of those attending the sixth annual event on Saturday, July 26, at the Sipe Wildlife Area southeast of Eagar.
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