How do we use the collected information?

Hummingbirds Canada collects information in order to determine the location of the sighting and to conduct research on the long-term migration trends of Hummingbirds in Canada. Secondly, we collect data on Hummingbirds that are present in Canada and who are unexpected or are from areas beyond their traditional breeding and resident territory. Location and timing data helps us rely on both weather and geography to determine patterns in their migration.

We make publicly available sighting information via our migration maps. Information is limited to:

• map cooridinates (latitude and longitude) of the sighting (displayed as a marker on the map)
• the submission date
• date(s) and sex of hummingbirds sighted
• if and when feeders were put up.

How is this data stored?

This data is stored in a secure online format for long term study. Access to this data is limited to volunteer staff of Hummingbirds Canada.

Do we share the data that is collected?

No. None of the data collected is shared with anyone without consent from the person who submitted the data. Sighting locations of unexpected hummingbirds are particularly sensitive as they can trigger birders and other organizational interests. Where sightings of unexpected hummingbirds have been submitted to Hummingbirds Canada, we reserve the right to contact the host or the person who saw the hummingbird to determine the validity of the sighting, to request pictures and to request a site visit to band the hummingbird.

Why is information regarding out of range birds so important?

Information about unexpected visits from hummingbirds that reside, breed or are resident to far away territory is very important because such sightings happen infrequently and the root cause of such travel is largely unknown. However, it is known that many of these out of range hummingbirds do not perish and return to the same geographic area again in the future. This has only been confirmed because they have been banded and it is well known that banding does not impact their desire to be at any location. Banding those hummingbirds allows others who host them in their travels to document their location if they are caught or seen again.