Wings of Hope: Protecting Hummingbirds Through Storytelling

In Veracruz, Mexico, a dedicated team of storytellers and conservationists has been working to shed light on the fragile future of the country’s hummingbirds. Wings of Hope: Survival Stories of Hummingbirds in Mexico is a documentary series capturing the beauty of these pollinators, the threats they face, and the grassroots conservation work being done to protect them. Filmed across rural landscapes and nature reserves, the first chapter of the series spotlights the endangered Mexican Sheartail (Doricha eliza) and the tireless efforts of local communities, researchers, and environmental advocates. Through compelling visual storytelling, the project aims to deepen public understanding of how habitat loss, climate change, and human activities are impacting these small but vital creatures.

The support of The Pollination Project was instrumental in bringing the first chapter of Wings of Hope directly to the communities whose stories it tells. With the grant, the team was able to purchase projection and sound equipment to host screenings in rural areas where access to such content is rare. They also acquired a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera and stabilizer to create behind-the-scenes footage and promotional materials that amplified their reach online.

“The Pollination Project gave us more than equipment, it gave us the means to connect people with the reality of hummingbird conservation,” said project lead Miguel Ángel San Martín Cruz.

These tools allowed the documentary to be shown in local museums, schools, and community spaces, and also helped spark dialogue and inspire environmental action among audiences. The project has since reached over 200,000 people, with its videos gaining hundreds of thousands of views on social media, demonstrating the resonance of its message.

The team is already preparing to expand the series with two new chapters. These will focus on the Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the highlands of Perote and the conservation efforts of a family in Catemaco, Veracruz, who have preserved habitat for more than seven species.

“With each story, we want to strengthen the bond between people and the natural world they inhabit,” said San Martín.

Plans include continued local screenings, educational workshops, and collaborations with conservation groups, ensuring that the awareness sparked by the first chapter grows into a lasting movement for pollinator protection. The foundation laid with the help of The Pollination Project grant is set to carry Wings of Hope into a future where storytelling remains a powerful tool for conservation.

Miguel San Martin

Miguel Ángel San Martín Cruz is a biologist and wildlife photographer from Mexico whose passion for nature and storytelling has shaped his career. His work blends scientific knowledge with powerful visual narratives, using photography and film to draw attention to endangered species and the urgent need for conservation. Over the years, he has produced compelling documentaries that have not only captured the beauty of wildlife but also inspired action to protect it.

His latest project, Wings of Hope: Three Survival Stories of Hummingbirds in Mexico, is a documentary series exploring the conservation challenges faced by three species of hummingbirds, each with its own unique story. Through a combination of field research, cinematic visuals, and community engagement, Miguel aims to spark awareness and mobilize support for pollinator protection. With a proven track record in conservation storytelling, and expertise in photography, filmmaking, and fieldwork logistics, he brings a rare and effective blend of skills to his mission of connecting people with the natural world.

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