During this year’s Hummingbird Celebration, many volunteers, staff and supporters were saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Sargent at the age of 77.  Bob, who was an electrician by trade, was the director and founder of the Hummer/Bird Study, along with his wife Martha.  For well over 30 years they have been instrumental in the conservation and bird community, expanding our knowledge of hummingbirds and other migrating species.

For more information on Bob and Martha’s wonderful work, visit this 2012 article form AL.com: http://blog.al.com/live/2012/10/30_years_of_bird_banding_by_al.html

Or the Hummer/Bird Study Group website
http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/MissionHistory.html

“We as humans have been around here for about 15,000 years. These birds have been doing what they do for uncountable generations. They were here first. They’ve got a right to be here,” Sargent said. “They’re just following the routes their ancestors used. We’re moved into their way. It’s up to us to protect the birds, because they have no voice. We have to make sure they have a place to live.” Bob Sargent from 2012 the AL.com article