GCBO – Bird Banding and Data Collection

Licensed bird banders and GCBO Research Associates Robert and Kay Lookingbill  band at the sanctuary on a regular basis. Birds are captured for banding in very fine nylon nets known as “mist nets” because they are almost invisible in the environment. Captured birds are weighed and measured and their species, sex, and age are recorded. Each is fitted with an aluminum leg band with a unique number provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and released unharmed. If the bird is captured again, the band provides the link to retrieve this history, which then provides important information on the routes used by migrating birds, their longevity, and general physical condition.

Please check the website or social media pages for any last minute changes in the monitoring dates.

VMS entry: Gulf Coast Bird Obs. – Data Collection:TMN Field Research