Mission & Vision

The Hummingbird Conservation Networks (HCNs) is an expanded nonprofit organization built on the strong foundation of the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN). While HMN focused primarily on science-based monitoring of hummingbird populations, HCNs broadens this approach to include community-based conservation, integrating people, data, and places for greater impact.

Our mission is simple but urgent:

“Maintaining hummingbird diversity and abundance throughout the Americas.”

To fulfill that mission, we strive to offer services, resources, and opportunities that empower communities across the hemisphere to actively participate in and benefit from hummingbird conservation efforts.

Our vision speaks to a future where:

“Hummingbirds survive, reproduce, and thrive—while human communities benefit economically, socially, and ecologically from their conservation activities.”

True success depends on the connections, relationships, and partnerships that build and sustain science- and community-based conservation networks. That’s why HCNs remains project-driven and is organized into four collaborative focus areas.

Organization History

2002—The Beginning

Formation of the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN) to study and protect hummingbirds.

2004—Becoming an Official Nonprofit

Achieved nonprofit status, allowing us to expand conservation and research initiatives.

2010—Expanding Monitoring Sites

Added more locations in the U.S. to track hummingbird populations and migration patterns.

2014—International Internship Program Launched

Began training Latin American students in hummingbird field research.

2021—Transition to Hummingbird Conservation Networks (HCNs)

Expanded our mission to integrate research, education, and community-based conservation.

Our Thanks

When Barbara Carlson, then Reserve Director for UC Riverside; George West, professor emeritus from the University of Alaska—both now dearly remembered—and Susan Wethington, a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Arizona, founded the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN), hummingbird conservation was largely overlooked in the broader conservation community. At the time, there was little population trend data available for hummingbirds, and this lack of information created a critical gap in conservation efforts.

Driven by the desire to close this gap, the team launched HMN with minimal resources but a clear vision. With the help of dedicated volunteers, we established a trend monitoring program and trained countless citizen scientists who remain at the heart of our mission. Their support, enthusiasm, and commitment laid the foundation for HMN’s ongoing work—without them, HMN would not exist.

Although we’ve been fortunate to receive generous support from contributors over the years, financial constraints have continued to shape the pace of our progress. A transformative moment came in 2019, when HMN received a Legacy Gift from the estate of Richard Crawford of St. George, Utah. This gift enabled us to formally launch the Hummingbird Conservation Networks (HCNs) and begin developing programs that bring our vision and mission to life.

On this website, you’ll find information about the programs and activities designed to tackle the most pressing issues in hummingbird conservation. These initiatives are supported by a self-sustaining feedback system that generates resources to fuel their continued success. Legacy gifts like Mr. Crawford’s truly make a lasting impact on the future of nonprofit organizations. We invite you to explore our Fund-A-Project page to learn how you can help make a difference. We are deeply grateful for Mr. Crawford’s enduring contribution to hummingbird conservation.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the many photographers who have generously donated their time and talent to capturing the beauty of hummingbirds. Their stunning images, featured throughout our website and social media, and their participation in our annual photo contest help inspire awareness, engagement, and action on behalf of hummingbirds everywhere.