~ October 2016  ~
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WHP Executive Committee
 
John Alexander 
Director
Klamath Bird Observatory

Maria del Coro Arizmendi 
Professor
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Susan Bonfield 
Director
Environment for the Americas

Barb Bresson
Avian Conservation Program
USFS, Pacific Northwest Region

Greg Butcher 
Migratory Species Coordinator
USFS, International Programs
 
Sarahy Contreras
Professor
Universidad de Guadalajara

Geoff Geupel 
Director, Emerging Programs and Partnerships Group
Point Blue Conservation Science
 
Cheryl Carrothers
Wildlife Program Leader
USFS, Alaska Region



































































Western Hummingbird Partnership
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!
Keep Up with WHP
Keep up with the latest in hummingbird news via Facebook or the WHP newsletter. Both are provided in English and Spanish. Find the Spanish version on our website:   Spanish Newsletter
 
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The provision of water by temperate forests is one of the ecosystem services provided by the Sierra de Santa Rosa.
Photo: José A. Ojeda Orranti

Welcome to the Sierras of Santa Rosa
 
Creating and maintaining international ties is very important, especially when you are in the business of migratory bird conservation. WHP's support for projects in México helps to accomplish the goal of learning more about wintering hummingbirds. Out of nine grants distributed in 2016, four were awarded to projects in México. One of those projects is taking place in the Sierras de Santa Rosa de Guanajuato, located in central México. The Sierras de Santa Rosa has been designated as an Area of Importance for the Conservation of Birds.
 
In these forested mountains, at least four species of hummingbirds have been observed to use this pine-oak habitat as a resting area during migration. Hummingbirds observed here include Ruby-throated, Rufous, Calliope, and Allen's Hummingbirds, two, Rufous and Allen's, of which are on the State of North American's Birds Watchlist.  The purpose of this project is to study how logging impacts the seasonal abundance and health of hummingbirds.
 
This project is working closely with Industrial Santa Fe, an organization that is focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the forest. Those that are a working on the project realize that the involvement of the surrounding communities in the Sierras is essential in addressing the threats to biodiversity and to help protect the ecosystem services the forested mountains provide. This may be what the project will focus on next. 
Creating a Pollinator Garden in Oregon

The AntFarm Learning Garden.
 
F all migration is wrapping up, but this does not mean that hummingbird conservation work comes to a halt. AntFarm is a non-profit organization located in Sandy, Oregon with the mission of creating and connecting a healthy, purposeful, and compassionate community by providing life-changing learning experiences for youth. Working with volunteers, they have created a new pollinator garden with native and pollinator friendly plants. The garden also serves as an education piece and is located along a berm where many drivers, bikers, and pedestrians, can easily observe the landscape and learn about the importance of these plants to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
 
Earlier in the season a group of local high school students were taught to cultivate their own native plants by gathering clippings from a variety of plants, stripping the leaves, shortening the plants, and finally planting them in small pots. In spring, the clippings that survive will be planted in and around the garden.
 
In addition to partnering with WHP, AntFarm has created relationships with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Timberline Lodge.  This effort has also received a significant amount of support from the community in the form of donations and volunteer hours. 

Hot Off the Press!

Celebrate Hummingbirds: A Hands-on Exploration of Hummingbirds
is available for use. This curriculum provides a variety of activities that can help children learn about different hummingbirds, their adaptations, plant phenology, and more in a hands-on and exciting way.
The curriculum was created by Sara Cole during her Master's program at the University of Michigan. Her time and the design of the curriculum were supported by a WHP grant.




WHP Website in Spanish
The Western Hummingbird Partnership website is now available in Spanish. Visit the site and explore the pages!

Western Hummingbird Partnership | sbbonfield@gmail.com | http://westernhummingbird.org
Environment for the Americas, 5171 Eldorado Springs Drive, Suite N, Boulder, CO 80303