BSBO holding bird banding program
Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) is holding a songbird migration banding program on Sunday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. To see more of this process, the public is invited to attend this free event. Black Swamp Bird Observatory is located at 13551 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, just inside the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
Bird banding is the process of attaching a uniquely numbered band on a bird’s leg. This number and various measurements are recorded depending on the research study. This program would be a great opportunity to see beautiful songbirds close up.
Banding birds can assist in habitat management, evaluating different habitats, studying the behavior and social structure of bird populations (as well as dispersal and migration), estimating survival and productivity of species or groups of species, determining population regulations, toxicology and disease studies, and improving public knowledge of bird ecology and requirements; thus improving support for conservation.
Locally, this data is being used to assist land managers in understanding what habitats are important to migratory and breeding songbird species. Data has been used for regional bird conservation plans and for development of the ecosystem objectives of the Lake Erie Management Plan under the Clean Water Act. Data collected is currently being reviewed for a paper describing songbird migration timing and ecology. Educating the public on the value of the Lake Erie marshes for these birds is another important facet of this project.
Northwest Ohio is a major concentration point for many bird species that migrate north to their breeding grounds and south to their wintering grounds. The Lake Erie marsh region is the junction of multiple migration flyways and is one of the last stops for many birds before they reach their breeding grounds. The research being conducted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory has added significantly to the big picture of migration across the country.
If you find a bird with a band, please report the band to 1-800-327-BAND or go online to reportband.gov.
For more information on this program, visit bsbo.org or call 419-898-4070.