Hummingbird Banding
From late May until August each year, we monitor hummingbird abundance, breeding condition, and migratory timing in the Boise National Forest. We study Black-chinned, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds.
In 2012 IBO started our first monitoring site in Idaho City with the Hummingbird Conservation Networks (HCN) and the Western Hummingbird Partnership.
In 2024 we piloted our first season of monitoring at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.
Learn more about this project in this video from Idaho News 6. Closed captions are provided on Youtube.
Visit Us
We band hummingbirds each summer and open a number of these dates to the public, depending on our funding levels. This is one of our most popular projects! A reservation is required to attend, and dates fill up fast so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Registration typically opens on Eventbrite in late spring. Dates vary and may be available for either Idaho City or Bogus Basin depending on funding.
Check our events page to get the most up-to-date information on hummingbird events.
Bogus Basin Flower Phenology Research
The Intermountain Bird Observatory is looking for volunteers to help us collect data on hummingbird food (aka wildflowers!) in the Bogus Basin area. Read more about how you can help collect flower data at Bogus.
BlūMorpho Tracking at Bogus
Use your phone to help us track hummingbirds!
In 2026 we purchased 6 ultra-light BlūMorpho trackers thanks to a grant from Boise State’s Osher Institute. We tagged Calliope Hummingbirds with these lightweight solar-powered tags thanks to support from the folks at Project HumTrack.
Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth and Location services to help us track them
When you visit Bogus Basin, make sure your phone Bluetooth and GPS location settings are turned on.
When turned on, partnered cellular-connected devices–such as cellphones–can automatically detect these tags and will send the location of any hummingbirds directly to IBO, where we can view the tag location on a map.
We hope to learn whether they are spending more time in areas inside or outside ski runs.
More about the project
FAQs
How can I support this research?
This is one of our most popular, but also most under-funded projects! In recent years we have been forced to reduce our number of banding dates because of lack of funding. Please consider making a donation to this project. Whether you mail a check or donate online, please specify which project you are donating towards in the memo line of your check or in the special designation box online.
Can I volunteer on this project?
Yes! We are looking for volunteers to help us collect data on wildflowers (hummingbird food!) at Bogus Basin. Read more about this Bogus Basin Flower Phenology project.
When do you post your event dates?
We typically post our event dates in May. If you’d like to be the first to hear about these and other IBO events, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. You can also “Follow” us on our Eventbrite page to get emails as soon as tickets go online.
Do you have hummingbird merch?
Yes! We have stickers available for a $5 donation at our banding stations.
You can also get your very own hummingbird crew shirt. Visit our Bonfire Store to order yours today.
Is your research station accessible?
Yes! Our station at Frontier Point Lodge has accessible parking, an elevator inside the lodge that brings you straight to our research table, and accessible restrooms. We reserve a set number of tickets per banding day to make sure there is room for visitors using wheelchairs or walkers.
Should I feed hummingbirds?
Yes you can!
If you use a hummingbird feeder, be sure to clean your feeder frequently. We recommend this high-perch feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited because it is easy to clean, doesn’t leak, and is all red (which helps deter wasps!). If it is over 80 degrees outside be sure to change your nectar at least every other day.
You don’t need to add red dye to feeders to attract hummingbirds (it is unhealthy for them). The red color on the feeder itself is more than enough to attract them.
Read more in this Birdwatcher’s Digest article on red dye and feeders.
What flowers do hummingbirds like?
Hummingbirds love native wildflowers such as Columbine, Golden Currant, and Penstemon. They also enjoy flowers in the Salvia genus. In Boise, you can visit Draggin’ Wing Nursery or North End Organic Nursery to find native plants. Our partners at Zamzows also have a variety of Salvia available during the summer.
Who are your partners?
This project is supported by your donations and the generosity of Wild Birds Unlimited in Boise! Our research at Bogus Basin is supported by a partnership with Bogus Basin’s Sustainability and Stewardship program. We are grateful for grants from the National Forest Foundation, and funding from the Boise National Forest.
Our research in Idaho City is generously supported by homeowner Jennifer Alban who allows us use of the study site. The Hummingbird Conservation Networks provided valuable advice and guidance.
Research and Reports
View references, reports, and project updates on our Research Gate Page
Questions?
Questions about this project? Contact HeidiWare@boisestate.edu