May 2013

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WHP Executive Committee
 
John Alexander 
Director 
Klamath Bird Observatory

Maria del Coro Arizmendi
Professor
Universidad Nacional Aut�noma de M�xico

Susan Bonfield 
Director
Environment for the Americas

Greg Butcher

Migratory Species Coordinator
USFS, International Programs

Geoff Geupel
Terrestrial Ecology Division Director
PRBO Conservation Science

Chrissy Howell  
Wildlife Program Leader 
USFS, Pacific Southwest Region
Western Hummingbird Partnership
The Western Hummingbird Partnership (WHP) is a collaborative approach to hummingbird research, conservation, and education. Working with partners in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, WHP strives to understand what hummingbirds need to survive in a changing world. Our newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest in hummingbird news. Thank you for joining us!
Una Mirada Asi
Universidad Nacional Autonoma of Mexico researcher Jorge Schondube's long study of hummingbirds in Jalisco
has been condensed into an exciting 25 minute documentary directed by Rodrigo Rodriguez. In April 2013, the documentary was shown at the University of Guadalajara, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and other locations to promote the importance of citizen science in understanding and ensuring the conservation of hummingbirds. View the documentary trailer (in Spanish).

 Feathers Offer Clues to Wintering Habits  
With support from the Western Hummingbird Partnership, Professor Jonathan Moran of Royal Roads University in British Columbia is unlocking the mysteries of where Rufous Hummingbirds winter. By studying the feathers of this long-distance migrant, he has discovered that when male and female Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in Jalisco, Mexico, they go their own ways. It seems that while both sexes winter in the mountains, they choose different areas.

These results warrant further study to better understand the habitats Rufous Hummingbirds need during the non-breeding season. Their survival on wintering grounds directly impacts their spring migrations and subsequent success breeding. Moran's work has been highlighted in an article by High Country News.

                      Helping Hummingbirds with Citizen Science

Festivals Highlight Hummingbirds
The opportunities to celebrate birds are growing, and hummingbirds are frequently an honored group. In April, Ketchikan, Alaska highlighted the return of Rufous Hummingbirds during its 13th Alaska Hummingbird Festival. Activities included art, birdwatching, presentations about gardening and citizen science, and a coloring competition for youth. If you missed the Ketchikan event, other hummingbird festivals are scheduled in 2013.

Hummingbird Festival
Hogansville, Georgia 
Western Hummingbird Partnership | [email protected] | http://westernhummingbird.org
Environment for the Americas, 2601 31st Street, Boulder, CO 80301

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