The Science of Bird Banding

Image with photos and heading "Making Individuals Out of the Birds."

As mentioned in this article above, featured in July 19, 1923 Perth Amboy Evening News, birds are individuals with their own particular likes and dislikes and habits. The birds are banded with an aluminum tag with an address and number enabling the person who finds the bird to report it to the Biological Survey in Washington. This study helps people understand birds’ migration patterns and inspires further research.

Efforts have been made to study birds habitats and migration patterns in order best support and provide for their needs. Bird banding is the process of attaching metal clips or plastic tags with a unique number around their legs to be able to identify birds and track their movement. This process has been done for centuries, starting with captive birds so they could be identified if they were lost or stolen. Now, millions of species of birds are tagged a year. Focus has been given to endangered species where conservation efforts are needed. Other birds are banded after recovering from illness or injury in a wildlife refuge. This clever procedure enables conservationists to track birds’ behavior, migration patterns, life span, and range.

Image of bird houses with the heading "Bird House Building is Easy, says Dan Beard."

It is easy to do your part to help the birds! The image above, featured in May 25, 1921 Perth Amboy Evening News, shows different bird feeders that can be easily created to provide a retreat for nature’s feathered friends.

Source:

Mayntz, Melissa. “Learn Why Wild Birds Are Banded.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/what-is-bird-banding-386476.

(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)

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