Date: 11/27/25 8:30 am From: Bob Reed via groups.io <bobreed1987...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] Fw: [missbird] A life dedicated to family, nature and hummingbirds...
The real deal indeed. Martha was an amazing person. We are especially sad
because she reminded both Pat and a me of my mother. The Bible speaks of a
help mate. She was the perfect picture of a help mate to Bob. She and Bob
were remarkably good at everything they touched, and a remarkably matched
pair of talent, love, passion and tenderness.
I am thankful for having been privileged to know them both.
Bob Reed
COL US Army, Retired
334-283-5886 Home
334-207-0985 Mobile
On Thu, Nov 27, 2025, 08:40 Greg D. Jackson via groups.io <g_d_jackson=
<bellsouth.net...> wrote:
> 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...
>
>
>
> ----- Forwarded Message -----
>
> *From:* Cyndi Routledge <dmarc-noreply...>
>
> *To:* "<missbird...>" <missbird...>
>
> *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 >
>
> Cheers!
>
> Cyndi
>
>
>
> <")
> ( \
> / |`.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> >
> Virus-free.www.avg.com
> <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> >
>
>
