Monitoring the Birds of Walker Valley
Written by Tyler Thomas, Manager of Science Literacy and Research
The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) project is in full swing this summer at Tremont. Our MAPS station has been operating since 2000 as part of our bird banding community science program. MAPS stations focus on collecting data that can estimate the productivity, recruitment, and survival of individual bird species.
To collect this data, we open an array of fine mesh nets at standardized times during the summer breeding season and monitor them for six hours. Nets are checked at regular intervals and experienced bird “pluckers” safely remove any birds that fly into the nets.
Birds are then brought to the master bander who carefully puts a small, aluminum band on the bird before releasing them unharmed. These bands have unique numbers so the birds can be identified if they are recaptured at any banding station.
Additional data, including age, sex, and reproductive status, are also collected.
Ultimately, this information can help us better understand what may be causing population declines in these species and also how we can effectively target conservation efforts. If you are interested in learning more about MAPS, visit birdpop.org.
