Southeastern Avian Research Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2025 Season Summary

As I look back on the 2025 ruby-throat hummingbird season, two words stand out: technology and numbers. Each plays a vital role in our work, and it was that union of technology and numbers that empowered SEAR to push the boundaries of hummingbird research in 2025.  We celebrate the progress made and eagerly look ahead to the continued journey of discovery driven by technology, guided by numbers, and inspired by the incredible resilience of ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Here are some of SEAR’s highlights for the 2025 season:

  • 2,800 bands cut and formed in early 2025 in preparation for the season.
  • 15 CTT radio-tags deployed on 7 males and 8 female hummers in June and monitored until they fell off.
  • 2,019 newly banded ruby-throated hummingbirds!
  • 288 recaptured hummingbirds from previous years!
  • Record for oldest known ruby-throat species – recaptured at age 9 years and 3 months at Ms. Bonnie Crutcher’s home in August.
  • 95 blood samples taken for our ongoing parasite study with Rhodes University. Only 405 to completion!
  • 22 fantastic volunteers whose dedication and work makes all this possible!
  • 16 wonderful hummer host families who open their homes and share their birds with us each summer – some multiple times.
  • 45 banding days from mid-June to early September.
  • Participation in 5 hummingbird festivals.
  • ~5,000+ smiling and educated festival guests.
  • 101 hummingbird adoptions supporting environmental education.
  • 2 hummingbird banding demos to raise funds for 2 high school scholarships in Kentucky.
  • 12 hummingbird educational lectures in Tennessee and Kentucky.
  • 80+ hours devoted to data entry and reports.
  • 3,500+ volunteer miles driven.
  • 7000 followers on our social media page.
  • Celebrated the 11th anniversary of Southeastern Avian Research.
  • 19, 937 hummingbirds banded since 2014…20,000 here we come!
  • 3 ‘one-day wonder’ rufous hummingbirds reported to us in September and October.

Last but NOT least I would like to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, hosts and those who continually support SEAR and our work. Your dedication, generosity, and commitment make a profound difference and allow us to move forward and reach new heights together. Onward together we go…

Cheers!

Cyndi Routledge