Scientists estimate that there are nearly 230 different species of birds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thirty-four species considered endangered, threatened or of conservation concern have been observed in the park. With its unusual birds and incredible diversity of habitats, it is no surprise that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most important places for birds in the eastern United States.
Keeping up with all these species within the 520,000 acres of the national park is a daunting task, and for the past ten years, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont) has been assisting the park in monitoring these birds through bird banding.
“Tremont has been banding birds since 2000, so we have a great deal of data concerning the bird populations in this valley. We already had a pretty good idea of what birds we can expect to find here in the summer, but it’s hard to say much about them or their populations by simply hearing or seeing them. Capturing, banding, and releasing the birds gives us a wealth of information – how long birds live, what proportion survive from year to year, their productivity, patterns of movement across the landscape, condition, and more,” said Josh Davis, Tremont’s citizen science coordinator.
“We’ve banded birds that were only a few weeks old and preparing to head to South America for the winter,” Davis continued. “The next year we’ve captured them in the exact same net, after flying thousands of miles back and forth. Information like this helps gives us a more complete picture of what these birds’ lives are like. We also partner with Park ecologists and other researchers to assist with data collection for other projects – searching for parasites, assessing mercury levels, or testing for avian flu, for example.”
At the beginning of each banding session, volunteers help erect nets starting at 6:00 am. During the ensuing six hours, the nets are checked every 40 minutes, birds are carefully removed and a metal bracelet (which is marked with nine-digit number) is attached to their legs. Detailed notes are taken including age, gender, and breeding condition. After the birds are inspected they are released.
The bands have a unique number on them, which is registered with the Bird Banding Laboratory in Maryland. If that bird is ever captured again, or if it is found dead, it is hoped that the finder will report the bird’s status and band number to the laboratory, so that they, in turn, can notify the originator of the band.
“Everyone is encouraged to report banded birds to the Bird Banding Laboratory, by phone or on the Internet. It’s important data that will be lost otherwise,” said Davis.
Bird banding is one of a number of citizen science projects carried on at Tremont each year. Tremont uses citizen science-the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research-as another tool to connect people with nature. Through this program, students as well as other volunteers have the chance to contribute to the scientific research conducted within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2010 Bird Banding Dates
Thursday, June 3rd Wednesday, June 16th Thursday, June 17th
Wednesday, June 23rd Tuesday, June 29th Thursday, July 8th
Friday, July 30th Wednesday, August 4th
Bird banding sessions typically last 5-6 hours beginning with set-up at 6:00 am. Participants do not have to attend the entire session. Dress should be weather-appropriate. Participants should bring plenty of water and rain gear in case of sudden showers. There can be bugs, poison ivy or occasional stream to cross, so participants should be prepared for all those situations.
Those interested in attending any of the sessions should contact Josh Davis at josh@gsmit.org or 865-448-6709. If a banded bird is found, the information can be reported at 1-800-327-BAND, or at www.reportband.gov
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