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| Mangrove Cuckoo all banded |
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1984. Since its
beginning the refuge strives to protect endangered species, study
those species, and encourage the public to become aware that this
protected area provides a healthy environment for people, wildlife and
marine animals.
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| Northern Waterthrush |
As part of the refuge scientists and volunteers study marine animals, turtles and wildlife species. Through these long term studies data is collected that help us all understand migration, reproduction, degradation, environmental impacts and give us tools to devise long term protection methods.
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| Caribbean Elaenia |
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge has a commitment to foster public understanding, appreciation and the opportunity to enjoy hiking, wildlife observation and nature photography.
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| Common Ground Doves beautiful head feathers |
Bird banding started in the 16th century when one of Henry IV’s Peregrine Falcons escaped; because the bird was banded(ring around its leg) it was recognized when it showed up in Malta. Henry got his bird back and banding took off. Today millions of birds are banded around the world.
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| Banding Station |
When it comes to banding birds the Refuge has a well defined and executed scientific mission and is part of a planned long term study. We use metal bands that have a unique identification number that is etched on and recorded when a bird is banded. This information is shared through a central data base run by the USGS. If we recapture the birds at some point in the future we can examine our records and evaluate the change that has occurred over the time passed.
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| Prairie Warbler |
Bird banders gather scientific information that benefit the birds, their habitat, and conservation in general. We can determine the health of the populations, the longevity, their age, their reproductive status, and their migratory patterns. All banders must go through rigorous training before they are allowed to handle or band birds because the birds safety is our first priority.
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| Mist Nets |
At the Refuge we begin by setting up the mist nets which are typically made of nylon or polyester mesh and suspended between two poles. When properly set up the nets are invisible to the birds. Mist nets can only be deployed by scientists who have been licensed, permitted and trained. Ordinary citizens could face jail time if they attempted to install any nets.
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| Holding area for birds waiting to be processed |
When birds land in the nets they are removed as safely and quickly as possible. They are put in bags to reduce their anxiety and quickly taken to the banding station for weighing, measuring, and banding. Their well-being is our top priority and their safety is our primary objective.
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| Weighing the bird |
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| Measuring the bill |
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| Measuring the wing on a Common Ground Dove |
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| Measuring the tail on a Northern Waterthrush |
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| Looking for pin feathers on a Northern Waterthrush |
After examining them for molting feathers, brood patches, age, sex, weight, beak, wing and tail lengths we let them go. We try to keep their time in captivity to a minimum. Recaptureing birds help us communicate to the public and decision makers the conservation value of bird banding and its negligible impact upon those birds.
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| Checking for molt on a Common Ground Dove |
Banding data helps researchers understand the life history and survival rates of juvenile and adult birds, population dynamics, migration, status of species of special concern, and disease transmission.
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| Caribbean Elaenia ready for release |
In some areas of the country kids who attend public banding sessions become inspired to become birders, scientists, ornithologists or biologists. Even those who don’t pursue birds as a field of interest may grow up to be policy makers making decisions that dramatically affect the well being of birds. Public outreach and teaching the importance of conservation and study does help to protect all birds that reside here or transit through during migration.
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| Green Throated Carib which we release immediately and don't band |
i hope this helps those that may have been wondering why we band birds.
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| Sunrise at Sandy Point Refuge |
See ya next week
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