My non-profit, Southeastern Avian Research, made a bit of hummingbird history in Tennessee yesterday as we deployed 15 Cellular Tracking Technologies BluMorpho CTT tags on 8 female and 7 male adult Ruby-throated hummingbirds for our specially designed study.
This research project is a culmination of years of hummingbird training, advanced technology, a conservation grant from the Tennessee Ornithological Society and the generous support of SEAR volunteers and supporters.
Yesterday’s tagging of hummingbirds was the latest chapter in hummingbird research in Tennessee. Our efforts continue to build upon the strong research foundation provided by the efforts of Bob and Martha Sargent, who began studying hummingbirds nearly five decades ago. As a long-time member of their HummerStudy Group, I have dedicated my efforts to advancing the research they began.
Many thanks to David LaPuma at Celluar Tracking Technologies for his knowledge and support and Kyle Shepherd for answering my many questions along the way. Also, many thanks to our hosts at Woodland’s Nature Station, South Welcome Station of LBL, and Mitz and LoraAnn Bailey for sharing their birds and agreeing to monitor them daily. And thanks to Mel Cunningham for the many wonderful pictures which documented our special day.
Finally, THANK YOU to all Southeastern Avian Research volunteers and supporters. It is your encouragement and support that gives us the wings to soar our research. We couldn’t do it without you!
All bird banding is conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey, as well as additional state and local permits and permissions.
