Bird banding is a method of tagging birds for the recording of their migratory routes
and gaining insight on their tendencies, that would have otherwise been difficult to
observe. This is helpful for scientists working to develop protection for bird species
as the world around them develops.
As we ramp up our newest project of bird documentation, led by science director
Ruby Hammond, the practice of banding is put at the forefront of our efforts. The
process works by capturing the birds, harmlessly, with mist nets (incredibly thin
nets) that they fly right into due to their inability to see them. They are collected
using small cloth bags, and then carefully extracted by their feet. After the data is
collected and they are banded, and released.
Alabama Audubon came to us as spectators to witness Ruby’s two-day bird
banding presentation. With stretched out nets, invisible to any unsuspecting
passersby, and a table littered with measuring equipment, Ruby was set to lead an
eventful demonstration.
Hans Paul, observing birds passing though trees.
The group, led by the Audubon’s program coordinator, Andrew Lydeard, could be
seen hoasting a pair of binoculars around their necks or cameras in their hands,
with eyes peeled and fingers constantly popping up to point at a bird in a tree. They
were a jovial bunch, excited to see birds common and rare alike.
From left: Mark Banaszak Holl, Becky Smith, and Anne Sweeney from the Alabama
Audubon group talking with Beth and Bill Finch
Over the course of their visit, Ruby’s nets – aided by stealthy movements of
onlookers and speakers projecting bird calls- entrapped Northern parulas,
Chickadees, and Yellow throated Warblers. Her procedure for banding the captured
birds included: measuring wings, tails, weight and feet (for the bands) then
distinguishing the age and gender of the birds.
After their release, the birds were on their way back to either their local habitat or on
their long journey to finish their migration. The birding group that typically spend
their time identifying and appreciating bird species, came out of the forest with a
healthy understanding of the process that goes into banding the birds, recording the
data, and drawing up blueprints to protect the objects of their fascination.
