Saturday Bird Bandings At Audubon

Weather permitting, area residents can join ornithologists on the west side of Audubon Community Nature Center on Saturday mornings April 29 through May 20 and observe them banding birds.

Bird banding is an established technique used to discover details about the behaviors of birds. Stop in any time between 7 and 11 a.m. to learn exactly how this is done and why.

Watch how bird scientists capture migrating and resident birds in "mist" nets -- so-called because they are so fine they are almost like mist - fit them with identification bands, measure, weigh, and then release them. You might even be selected to help release a bird.

If the weather is too harsh for the safety of the birds, the nets are not opened and an alternate date is chosen.

While not necessary to enjoy the demonstrations, those attending may want to bring bird guides and binoculars if they 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 in and park on the grass along the edge of the trees. Or park at the Nature Center parking lot and walk to trail over to the banding site, especially if it has been raining.

Birdbander Emily Thomas Perlock holds Bachelor's and Master's degres in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State. She has worked as a wildlife biologist for the United States Forest Service Northern Research Station's Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Irvine, Pa., and is currently an Instructor in Wildlife Technology at Penn State DuBois. Since learning how to band in 2005, she has banded more than 4,000 birds; she has a Master Banding permit and is certified as a bird bander by the North American Banding Council. She established a banding program at The Arboretum at Penn State and has participated in banding programs for Audubon and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

Audubon offers these demonstrations to the public free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. No reservations are required. No dogs please.

To learn more or donate, click through "Programs and Events" at AudubonCNC.org.