Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2011 06:28:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: deborah bair
Subject: I need some help w/a female hummingbird
I need some help w/a female hummingbird who’;s gotten herself in a fix. We first noticed she was trailing a mess hanging off one claw three days ago, but we left her alone, as she was flying okay and we hoped she'd just work it off the claw.
Unfortunately, it's now three days later, and if anything, the mess is getting bigger and is now causing her to "list" when she's flying.  We are afraid that it's going to get large enough to ground her  if something isn't done.  it looks to be either string or a mess of cobwebs that got wet, maybe?  I can supply pic, b ut it's a little fuzzy as she was at the feeder when we took it.
although we have caught hummingbirds in the house and released them when necessary, we've never had to catch one outside, and are unsure how to proceed.  I have tried calling the zoo, but have been unable to connect with anyone..have also sent an email to several hummingbird groups, but also have rec'd no responses.
anyone got a suggestion?
We thought about maybe a butterfly net, but she's still pretty dern quick in flight..  It doesn't look like it'd be a problem to unload her of her burden, but we don't want to hurt her in the actual catching of her.
Any suggestions appreciated!
Thanks
D Bair