The Science of Citizens and Nature: Naturalist Notes:
Warblers, sparrows, hawks and more! Over 203 different species of birds have been observed here at Johnson Nature Center over the years. We actually have observational data as far back as 1947, and 30 years’ worth of bird banding data! All this data is interesting to look at, with all the different trends over the years it raises many questions. Why in 2003, was there a drop in the number of black-capped chickadees banded? Why weren’t hummingbirds seen before 2003 and why hasn’t one been banded since 2018?
Graph courtesy of Allen Chartier. Photo courtesy of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Graph courtesy of Allen Chartier. Photo courtesy of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Overall, the numbers are showing an upward trend in both number of species and pure numbers of birds banded!
Graph courtesy of Allen Chartier.
What is bird banding you ask? It is one of the oldest scientific methods for studying and identifying individual birds. It is the process of catching and placing an aluminum band on the bird's legs. These bands are engraved with unique numbers that identify that individual bird. Before the bird is released information is gathered, the species, sex, age, weight, and length of wings. All these measurements help determine how healthy the bird is. The first scientific study to use bird banding took place in 1902 by Smithsonian scientists. They banded a black-crowned night heron at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Before the modern type of banding, in the early 1800s, John James Audubon tied threads to birds' legs to identify individuals that were visiting his farm.
Now you might be thinking, okay, that’s cool, why should I care about any of this? Data collected by citizen scientists is vital for conservation. This data is used to form local policies, for example local endangered species tracking. It can enhance both formal and informal education. Lastly, it helps with conservation of natural resources and supports environmental sustainability.
There are many different projects that you can get involved in and you don’t have to be an expert to get started. There are always fellow enthusiasts that are willing to share their knowledge. If birds are your jam, you can report your observations on eBird, NestWatch or participate in a local bird count. If you like frogs and salamanders you can help with a frog song or non-calling herp survey. Every summer there is a butterfly count if that is more your speed. There are too many to name them all. You’d be hard pressed to find a citizen science project that doesn’t spark one of your interests. So, go out there and get involved!
Submitted by Cathy Wesley, Naturalist, April 2022