Bird Banding Adventures (WI & MN)

In the past month, I've had the opportunity to observe and participate in two bird banding experiences. Both were great learning experiences and added to my Master Naturalist knowledge base.

Carefully removing the bird
from collection bag
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

In May, after a 3 year hiatus due to COVID and avian influenza, our La Crescent Natural Resources Advisory Group aka NRAG (I am a member) sponsored a 3 hour World Migratory Bird Day Bird Banding demonstration for our community at Vetsch Park, one of our local blufflands parks. We collaborated with U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Biologists’ Banding Demonstration Team.

Making a precise identification
Image  - Marge Loch-Wouters

21 birds were caught and banded. We had 5 nets set up. The birds included American Redstarts (4), Magnolia Warbler, Song Sparrow, Gray Catbirds (6), Swainson's Thrush, Northern Cardinal (2), Common Yellowthroat, American Goldfinch (2) and Eastern Wood Peewee. 

Each bird was identified, weighed, aged and wings measured. In addition, they were checked for sex, fat stores and general health before they were banded and released. Observers often stayed for an hour watching the action or taking side trips led by NRAG members to see the rare showy orchid blooming on Vetsch's trails.

A very organized banding work space
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

It was the first time I had seen this work and I was very impressed with the process - especially the initial careful work in making an exact identification. Various sized bands were available to be used depending on the size of the bird. 

The data sheets were carefully maintained as the banders quickly worked to complete the banding and data so that the birds had the least amount of stress.

A banded bird ready for release
Image  - Marge Loch-Wouters

In the end the birds were quick to fly off. The data collected means migratory patterns can be tracked as well as information about the breeding and health of the birds, the success of their breeding, whether they arrive in their breeding grounds with sufficient food available and much more. 

In mid-June, I joined a colleague at a Natural Resource of Wisconsin guided field trip to observe a morning of banding at the Beaver Creek Reserve near Fall Creek WI. 

A mist net set up.
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The field trip was described:

"The continent-wide Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) bird banding program is a constant-effort mist netting project created by The Institute for Bird Populations in 1989 to provide  annual estimates of post-fledgling productivity, adult survivorship, and population size for resident breeding bird species.  Beaver Creek Reserve has run a MAPS station at the Henke Farm continuously since 2003. This is a great opportunity for visitors to observe data collection for a long-term project and see birds in the hand. Over the years the Beaver Creek Reserve MAPS program have captured 1,654 birds of 59 species. Species list include gray catbird, golden-winged warbler, indigo bunting, veery, song sparrow ... Join us as we cover the diverse habitats at the Henke farm and see some of Wisconsin's magnificent birds up close."

One of the many amazing banding volunteers
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

We got to observe the crack team of volunteers collecting, identifying and gathering data from each bird that was netted that morning. Participants walked the net lines and were treated to lots of information on migratory birds from the VERY knowledgeable staff and crack volunteer team. There were twelve nets scattered in hardwoods, prairies, wetlands and pine stands. Every 30 minutes, three groups of volunteers, staff and field trip participants split the work of checking nets to recover birds.

Safe from mosquitos, the banders had
2 stations inside to do their work
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The banding team worked in a great "bird cage" structure built by an Eagle Scout. It was completely screened in with a transparent roof giving plenty of light to the data collection and banding work. The screened windows allowed us to observe the banding as banders walked us through notable characteristics of breeding songbirds. We had a fascinating birds-eye view of the banders at their precise work. 

Karen Wittig transferring a warbler to me for release.
Image - Kris Lawson

Some participants also had a chance to gently release the banded birds. I felt lucky to have that privilege.

One of the many highlights of the trip was meeting and talking to Pat Henkes. She and her husband donated the 400 acre Henke farm to the reserve - and Pat made us gingersnaps! The restored prairie is alive with flowers and pollinators and the woods were full of birds including chestnut-sided warblers, common yellow throats, veeery indigo buntings and more.

Learning opportunities like this abound. They stretch our understanding and help focus on on ways we can do citizen science work and help advance everyone's understanding of our natural world.