2024 Workshop

2024 Hummingbird Banding Training Workshop

Deadline To Apply: June 30th

Unlock Your Potential: Learn to Band Hummingbirds Safely and Ethically

This workshop is an exciting opportunity to learn the skills necessary to safely band hummingbirds! Approved by the North American Banding Council and in accordance with the Banders Code of Ethics, this workshop is the first step in becoming a permitted hummingbird bander. Those interested in joining HMNs coordinated monitoring program will be given preference. At the end of the workshop, participants will have varying levels of skill, and not all will have mastered the skills needed to band hummingbirds safely. For those who have, the next step to becoming a permitted hummingbird bander will be discussed individually. Join us for an adventure in science and become a hummingbird bander!

Attending the workshop is a great opportunity to learn and grow in your field. The workshop fees and registration are very reasonable, with full registration costing only $2,200.00. This fee includes tuition, workshop materials, lodging (double or triple occupancy), and 3 meals a day. This is an incredible value for the amount of knowledge and experience you will gain from attending the workshop. To apply to the workshop, please fill out the form provided. Once you have completed the form, you will be contacted with further instructions on how to complete your registration. We look forward to having you join us for this amazing workshop. With the knowledge and experience you will gain, you will be able to take your career to the next level. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn and grow in your field.

Please note that participants in this workshop should have a proposal for starting a banding site that aligns with the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory guidelines or are willing to join HMN’s coordinated trend monitoring program. For more information about our program, please visit www.savehummingbirds.org/monitoring and review the Standardized Protocol that all HMN’s monitoring sites follow.

If you are interested in learning more about hummingbird identification skills, the 2019 North American Banding Councils Hummingbird Banders Manual is a great resource. It provides detailed information on the identification of hummingbirds, as well as the techniques and tools used for banding. You may also want to download and read the general banders study guide for additional information. Copies of the manual can be found at www.nabanding.net/hummingbirds/manuals/ and here. This manual informs about best practices for working with live hummingbirds, including permitting requirements for studying live hummingbirds, trapping and marking, and handling techniques, among others. We suggest all participants review this material.

For those attending the workshop, the Southwestern Research Station is located near Portal, Arizona. Directions to the station can be found at www.amnh.org/research/southwestern-research-station/about/directions-climate. The nearest airport to the workshop is Tucson International Airport, and more information will be offered on carpooling and transportation options to/from the airport and the workshop.

Are you interested in learning how to make hummingbird banding tools? If so, our team is here to guide you! HMN is considering organizing an informal workshop to share with you the basics of crafting hummingbird banding tools. We will meet after the banding workshop, where our team will be available to discuss further possibilities. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn a new skill! Contact us today to express your interest.

TYPICAL ITINERARY

DAY 1 Dinner and an Evening Social / Workshop Introduction
DAYS 2-7 In the morning you will learn to capture band and monitoring hummingbirds. In the afternoon there will be classroom and continued banding activities.
DAY 8-9 You will participate in HMN monitoring sessions at two sites during the workshop.
DAY 10 Working with data

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

When you arrive, the researchers will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to working with hummingbirds. You will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to band hummingbirds. You will learn about the different species of hummingbirds and the best methods for identify them to age, sex, and species. You will also be taught how to safely handle and care for the birds. By the end of your training, you will have a thorough understanding of:

Aging and sexing hummingbirds
Taking measurements
Describing molt patterns in hummingbirds
Detecting breeding conditions in hummingbirds
Characterizing fat
Making quality hummingbird bands
Determining the correct band size
Using hummingbird banding tools
Trapping hummingbirds
Collecting pollen and feathers for additional studies
Identifying signs of stress
Identifying potential diseases and addressing resulting issues
Creating a banding program that is safe for hummingbirds
Discussing permit needs, Bander's Code of Ethics, banding in public
Managing data

*Please inform us of any medical conditions, including allergies such as to bee stings, that you believe are important for us to be aware of. Upon receipt of such information, we will collaborate with you to ascertain the appropriate preparatory measures to be taken. Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We understand that this can be inconvenient and we thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We strive to provide the best experience possible and your flexibility helps us to do that. We appreciate your willingness to go with the flow and make the most of the situation. Your understanding and cooperation are invaluable and we thank you for your support. We are excited to offer a hummingbird banding workshop! Please note that this event requires a minimum of 10 applicants in order to take place. If we do not receive the minimum number of applicants, the event will be canceled, and all applicants will be notified. We thank you for your interest and look forward to seeing you at the workshop!*

Have a question?
Thank you for your inquiry! We understand that you may have questions that are not answered here, and we are more than happy to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best customer service experience possible.