This project incorporates all of our hummingbird research from wintering western species along the Gulf Coast to deploying cutting-edge transmitters to track hummingbird movement.

Project HumTrack is nestled under this umbrella and is an international collaborative program we have developed alongside Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT). Humtrack's goal is to unravel the mysteries of hummingbird movement geographically over time using solar transmitters weighing less than a grain a rice. During the initial experimental phase, we conducted our first field tests in Kentucky on a few breeding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. This field test was successful in determining the safety of "glue-on" protocols for hummers. Glue-on attachment is just what it sounds like - the process of glueing a transmitter to the back of a hummingbird in a very specific spot. When done correctly, our study showed no measurable effects of attaching these transmitters. The birds that had nests in the area were still able to hold territory and fight off competition for feeders.

*All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey's BBL.