Date: 11/27/25 6:40 am From: Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Fw: [missbird] A life dedicated to family, nature and hummingbirds...
AL Birders:
One of many things we can be thankful for today is the privilege of having known Martha. She was a truly fine and caring person, the real deal. She spread warmth to innumerable people at her home, through banding, and at talks by Bob and her around the region. Martha was a hard-working and integral part of everything that amazing couple accomplished – if it could be done she would persist and find a way. That wry smile and quick laugh infected all around her with joy. And what a cook! It was a lucky person indeed who had a meal at Martha’s, and she fed well the many birders and budding banders who came to their avian paradise in Clay.
It was an honor to have spent time with Martha Sargent over the years. If those in Heaven today are lucky, she’ll whip up a pineapple upside down cake!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Greg & Debi Jackson
Birmingham, AL
From: <ALbirds...> <ALbirds...> On Behalf Of Shirley Farrell via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 11:19 PM
To: <ALbirds...>
Subject: [ALbirds] Fw: [missbird] A life dedicated to family, nature and hummingbirds...
Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 06:54:44 PM CST
Subject: [missbird] A life dedicated to family, nature and hummingbirds...
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of my friend and mentor, Martha Sargent, who left us peacefully on Sunday, November 23rd, at the young age of 88 years old.
Martha was a self-taught naturalist whose fascination with hummingbirds began the very first time she spotted a ruby-throated hummingbird from her kitchen window. This simple moment sparked a lifelong passion for these remarkable creatures and the natural world. Years later, when fate reunited childhood friends Martha and Bob, their shared enthusiasm for birds led them to become prized bird banding pupils under the guidance of Dr. Tom Imhof. Their dedication to neotropical migrants and hummingbirds was soon evident and they banded their first ruby-throated hummingbird in 1987, the beginning of their extraordinary journey together until Bob’s passing.
Martha and Bob’s love for hummingbirds and ornithology indeed translated into inspiring action. As co-founders of the Hummer Study Group, they mentored countless bird banders, sharing their expertise and passion with all who wished to learn. Together, they produced the HBSG newsletter, Netlines, which became a beacon of encouragement and education for the back-yard birding community. Their collaborative spirit and tireless dedication inspired many, leaving a lasting impact on the field and in the hearts of all those they touched.
Closer to home, Martha was the gardener of the duo, though she modestly called herself a “lazy gardener” because she didn’t like to have to continue to plant new things each year. Her wonderful gardens all began with a single turk’s cap start, and before long, flourished with many different vines, shrubs and perennials, becoming a beloved sanctuary for the hundreds of hummingbirds that graced their Alabama yard each summer. Martha’s green thumb and appreciation for nature created a haven not just for birds, but for friends and family as well. Hosting countless budding hummingbird banders, welcoming and training each one of us in their yard year after year.
On a personal note, Martha was more than a mentor and naturalist—she was my dear friend. She was always there on the other end of the phone, whether it was to share the excitement of banding the first winter hummer of the season, to celebrate a published article, or simply to chat about the joys and challenges of everyday life. I will miss her warmth, her support, and her friendship.
Martha is survived by her beloved daughter Donna Carroll and son-in-law Matt, a host of friends and fellow hummingbird enthusiasts. During this difficult time, please keep them and all in your thoughts and hearts.
A Memorial service for Martha will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral home in Trussville, Alabama on December 9th from 1-2 pm. Here is the link to their website for additional information. https://www.jmgardens.com/obituaries/martha-sargent
