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Tracking Hummingbird Migration Tracking hummingbird migration is a large-scale effort. There are two ways in which hummingbird migration is tracked: sighting reports and banding. Volunteers can report sightings to various organizations. Many websites encourage visitors to submit their sighting information online. Based on these sightings, a map is created, and regular updates on the hummingbird migration is released. The most accurate way hummingbird migration is tracked is through banding. Banding: Large-Scale Effort in Tracking Hummingbird Migration Banding is when an authorized person captures a hummingbird with a trap or net. The hummingbird is secured and examined. Data is recorded for each bird, including where and when the banding took place, the bird’s age, and sex. Using special pliers, a partially opened band inscribed with a unique number is slid over the bird’s leg. Once the band is crimped to ensure a good fit, the hummingbird is released. Data for each hummingbird is sent to the 100-year-old North American Bird Banding Program, run by the federal Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL), a part of the U.S. Geological Survey. The BBL works closely with the Canadian Wildlife Service, its counterpart in Canada. Determining hummingbird migration patterns is labor-intensive and slow. Only about 1 in 1,000 banded hummingbirds are recaptured. If someone encounters a banded bird, the band number can be reported by calling 1-800-327-BAND or submitting the information to the BBL's website at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/mailrecv.htm. The BBL then contacts the bander with information about when, where and by whom the banded bird was encountered. The finder receives a Certificate of Appreciation and information about where and when the bird was banded. Successful hummingbird tracking relies on the many citizen scientists who observe, count and report findings to the BBL, universities and other invested groups, such as the Audubon Society. There are only about 150 people in the U.S. and Canada authorized by their governments to capture and band wild hummingbirds. These master banders include federal and state agency employees, university researchers, bird observatory staff members, and private individuals. In addition to the authorization from the BBL, most banders, depending on their state of residence, are also required to have state banding permits. Information Gathered During Hummingbird Banding The age, sex, condition, and plumage characteristics of each bird is recorded and provided to the BBL. In addition, banders may also take measurements. These measurements include the wing chord (length of the flattened wing from wrist to tip of the longest primary feather), tail length, mass, and bill length. The bander, and the person who recover a banded bird, also provide detailed information on the capture date and location. This data is crucial to mapping hummingbird migration. How They Are Captured for Hummingbird Migration Data Gathering Please note: it is against state and federal laws for anyone without permits and proper training to capture or possess living or dead wild migratory birds, including hummingbirds. Anyone found doing so will be subject to federal fines and imprisonment. There are two main ways hummingbirds are captured by authorized banders and researchers: nets and traps. Large mist nets, named because they are almost invisible, are positioned between poles in areas frequented by hummingbirds. Often hummingbirds fail to see these nets and fly directly into them, becoming entangled. Hummingbirds are not harmed by the net, but fall gently into its soft folds. Researches frequently check mist nets to ensure these little birds are rescued as quickly as possible so they do not become stressed. Experienced banders know how to remove a hummingbird the quickest way without causing any damage to the bird. Traps, usually pull-string operated, are also used to capture hummingbirds. When a hummingbird flies into a trap, the bander pulls the string to activate a trapdoor, which closes behind the bird. Using a small access door, the bander removes the hummingbird from the trap. Birds are never held for long periods. Both methods of hummingbird capture require a lure. Hummingbird feeders are placed near the large mist nets or inside the trap. Keeping these feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar is essential. There are feeders available that make cleaning and refilling easy because they are filled from the top using advanced sports bottle technology. How You Can Get Involved in Hummingbird Migration Data Gathering If you’d like to get involved in tracking hummingbird migration, there are several websites where you can submit your hummingbird sightings. Typically, two species of hummingbirds are tracked each spring: the Ruby-throated and the Rufous. The migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird begins in late February or early March. By May, the first Ruby-throated hummingbird reach Canada. Rufous hummingbirds begin their journey north in January, with the first ones reaching Canada in early March. If you’d like more information about hummingbird banding, please visit the BBL website or call 1-800-327-BAND. About the author Steve Kander, a senior copywriter, regularly freelances on his favorite hobbies, including birdwatching. As a hummingbird feeder collector, Kander shares first-hand experiences and his own hummingbird feeder reviews.
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