Up Close View of Birds and Bird Banding at Big Marsh
The Thorn Creek Audubon group that gathered at Big Marsh Park on June 24 enjoyed a close-up view of marsh birds and a fascinating demo of bird banding. The banding station at this Chicago Park District property gathers information on birds breeding in the preserve and is part of the Chicago Ornithological Society conservation initiative in the Calumet region.
We watched and learned as experts examined, measured, and banded birds that had been captured in passive mist-netting. Participants were able to hold and release the birds. We also watched other birds that ventured near us, including a pair of nesting Cedar Waxwings. eBird checklist from the outing.
Many thanks to the banding team and COS for having us as their guests.
After the outing program, the group went on a bird walk to check out other areas at Big Marsh.
Click on any photo to see a larger view .
About the Bird Banding Station: The Big Marsh Bird Banding Station was established in 2020 by Chicago Ornithological Society to help track breeding birds and assess the health of songbird populations at Big Marsh. Banding is done about six times a year between late May and early August. Last year, the banding team captured 224 birds, including 38 recaptures.
The station is part of the Institute for Bird Populations’ MAPS Program (Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship), which uses standardized bird banding protocol for studying breeding birds and providing information on the lives of urban birds. Participating in the MAPS program allows COS to contribute to science that helps understand the longevity and breeding success of birds and provides other opportunities for scientific research with partners.
June 25, 2022