We established hummingbird feeders filled with 20% sugar water solution at the center meadow in each meadow complex (see associated site information) two weeks before trapping hummingbirds. Following the two-week habituation period, we placed Hall traps (Russel 2001) around the center feeders and trapped for a period of 5 hours (05:00 – 10:00). We collected standard measurements on each trapped individual and banded each with a unique metal leg band. The final processing step was to implant the PIT tag under the loose skin between the shoulders.
Using a clean cotton applicator, we applied lidocaine gel to the exposed skin on the upper back of the hummingbird and left it to sit for a minimum of two minutes for the numbing to take effect. While waiting for the lidocaine gel to take effect, we placed the PIT tag and insertion needle in 70% ethyl alcohol to clean and disinfect the surface before implantation. Once the lidocaine numbed the skin where the needle will be inserted, we applied a betadine antiseptic solution with a new/clean cotton applicator to disinfect the area before implanting the tag. With clean forceps, we gently lifted the skin between the shoulders and then insert the needle, the bevel facing up, just under the lifted skin. We then carefully attached the clean plunger to the needle and inserted the 8 mm tag. Once inserted, we carefully closed the hole with vetbond and forceps.
Over the course of four summers (mid-June through July, 2014-2017), we captured and implanted 163 Rufous Hummingbirds with PIT tags. Feeders were maintained with 20% sucrose solution for 1.5-12 weeks during the summer season (June-August) per year from 2014 to 2017. Relocation data were downloaded from data loggers and backed up weekly.
