BIRDS: We heard about a program that is for the birds — literally.
The Audubon Community Nature Center’s MAPS bird banding program will be held Saturday mornings at the Jamestown, N.Y., Audubon Community Nature Center.
Emily Perlock, wildlife tech instructor at Penn State DuBois, oversees the bird banding research.
The center invites people up to see Emily and fellow ornithologists at work this morning, or on June 15 and 22, July 6, 13 and 20 and on Aug. 3.
While you are likely to see more the earlier you come when it is cooler, you can stop in anytime between 6 a.m. and noon to learn how bird banding is conducted and why.
You can walk side-by-side with ornithologists to learn how they capture birds in mist nets, weigh, measure, and identify them, fit them with a uniquely numbered band, and then set them free. If the weather is too harsh for the safety of the birds, the nets will not be open and an alternate date will be chosen.
Data gathered during these MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) sessions help bird scientists understand more about bird species in our region and beyond. Since 1989, more than 1,200 MAPS stations spread across nearly every state and Canadian province have collected over two million bird capture records. For more information on the national MAPS program, visit birdpop.org/pages/maps.php.
While children and families are invited, don’t bring any pets along. Plan to take some photos.
Emily has been banding birds since 2007, holds a Master Banding permit, and is a certified bander through the North American Banding Council.
While not necessary to enjoy the demonstrations, you may want to bring bird guides and binoculars if you have them, and remember to dress for the weather. Plan to listen closely to the scientists and follow their instructions carefully, as safety of the birds is the priority.
Come to the picnic pavilion on the west side of the Audubon property at 1600 Riverside Road, just east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Look for a “Bird Banding” sign at the entrance closer to Route 62. Drive right in and park on the grass.
