A hummingbird hassle

n Center (IC) is one of vagant buildings

Glass windows surround the 30,000 square foot area, complete with a sci-dome, three glass cubicles, a makerspace containing a 3D printer and other tools, and two glass garage doors.

In the warmer months (which, for Columbia, is April through December), faculty will open these grand doors Students will sit outside in red rocking chairs or couches while warm air rushes in the building. The humid air can have expensive effects, as Hammond needs to spend money cooling the IC back down to its normal temperature.

And warmth isn’t the only thing sneaking in the IC Bugs and birds attracted to the glass will fly into the building and become trapped. In Mr. Rybarzyc's classroom, located on the second floor of the IC, hornets build nests on the awnings visible from the windows. Birds have also gotten stuck in the IC, and often die when trapped for too long

During exam week last May, a crow got stuck. It panicked and flew into the windows before collapsing on the floor. Luckily, once exhausted, Mr. Stanbery was able to pick up the bird and release it.

The most common visitors are hummingbirds, who are notoriously attracted to red, Hammond’s school color

Most of the flowers hummingbirds feed on are red, so naturally, they are attracted to it. Because of all the red decor at Hammond, hummingbirds are especially susceptible to flying into the IC and getting stuck. Sadly, most die once trapped, either from crashing into windows, suffering heart attacks from stress, or starvation due to their high metabolism.

Luckily, these birds are harmless, but some are worried they could be a distraction. In the fall and spring, it's become a daily occurrence to see and hear hummingbirds while in class at the IC. The windows allow students in almost every classroom to be able to watch as the helpless birds fly around.

Students and teachers alike are teaming up to help the hummingbirds; Rachel Barney, a junior at Hammond, picks up hummingbirds that have collapsed on the floor of the IC and releases them, while Biology teacher Mr Rice has fed some that were brought to him in an attempt to nurse them back to health However, hummingbirds will often fly to the ceiling of the IC, which is out of reach

Will we cease to accidentally trap our wildlife this spring, or will our red-loving friends be destined to continue their tragic fate? One thing’s for sure nothing will change without action