Cofrin Center for Biodiversity

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Bird Banding

Dave Marks

UWGB student Dave Marks takes a bird out a mist net to band it.

Bird banding tells us about how and when migratory species (especially songbirds) and summer residents use Point au Sauble. Banding provides important data needed to answer questions about the biology and movements of individual birds. Bird banding data allows us to estimate average survival and causes of mortality of birds, and when and how long each species reproduces. It also allows researchers to map summer and wintering grounds and migration routes as well as determine how long they are used or how locations and routes are changing.

UWGB students and staff began banding birds in 1999 at Point au Sauble Natural Area during spring and fall migration seasons. Mist nets are used to capture the birds (see cedar waxwing in net shown above). These nearly invisible fine mesh nets are erected at the site and monitored by students and staff. When birds fly into the nets they fall through the layers of netting and become entangled in mesh pockets at the bottom. The birds are quickly and easily untangled by researchers who identify and measure the birds. Each bird is tagged with a numbered identification band and set free.

Point au Sauble Bird Banding Results

A set of permanent banding stations was established in 2000 at the base of the property near Point Lane to monitor breeding birds. This effort will follow the MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) protocol, a standardized method that is being used at more than 500 sites in North America. This research is aimed at documenting the reproductive success, survival, and site fidelity of breeding birds in the lowland hardwoods / shrub habitat at this part of the Point Sauble Nature Reserve. Banding of migratory birds at the Point itself will be compared to historical banding data from the 1960's and will provide an ongoing record of avian visitors to this important coastal natural area.

Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects