After 14 years of banding, it was decided that those involved should become part of an organized effort. Therefore, The Hummer/Bird Banding Research Collaborative (HBRC) was initiated by founder T. K. Tolford in July of 2007.

Since 1993, over 10,000 birds representing 136 species have been banded by HBRC banders.

More projects have been added and more useful data is currently being researched through bird banding. Our methods adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the Bird Banding Laboratory, the USGS Biological Resources Division, the North American Bird Banding Council and fellow banders. HBRC Banders are authorized to band neotropical migrants and other birds in accordance with defined research programs.

While non-profit status is being applied for, the Hummer/Bird Banding Research Collaborative is sponsored by Audubon Miami Valley which is a [IRS 501(c)3] non-profit organization based in Oxford, Ohio. 

HBRC is dedicated to the study and preservation of all federally protected birds. The research programs we are connected with through the Hummer/Bird Study Group, the Ohio Bird Banding Association, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Avian Research Education Institute, to name a few, have been ongoing since 1987. Over 1 million songbirds are banded annually in the U.S. and over 100,000 hummingbirds have been banded in the U.S. in the past 20 years, approximately two-thirds of all hummingbirds that have been banded in the U.S. and Canada were banded by those trained through Bob Sargents Hummer/Bird Study Group.

HBRC research will include a variety of studies for birds and Hummingbirds. Songbird studies will include Spring Migration, Fall Migration and M.A.P.S. (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship). The two areas in which HBRC will focus its efforts in relation to Hummingbirds will be migration patterns of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and documentation, identification, timeline and migration routes of Western Hummingbirds which, we have recently discovered, pass through Ohio and the Eastern U.S. during Winter.

Additional banding research projects HBRC banders are currently involved in include the following:

- Bluebird Nestling Study

- Kestrel Nestling Study

- Screech Owl Nestling Study

- Saw Whet Owl Study

- Purple Martin Study

- Cincinnati Zoo International Migratory Bird Day banding demonstrations for school students. Annually in May.

- Various educational banding demonstrations for youth, adults and families.

- Training opportunities for banders

Learn more about HBRC founder, T. K. Tolford.