Bird Banding Efforts Soar to New Heights

Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory concludes 27th fall migration season and eagle testing for bird flu commences.

With spring nearly here, Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory (FBBO), part of Washington College’s Center for Environment & Society (CES), is sharing data and stats from its 27th  year of fall migration banding. The 2024 season saw the Observatory continue its long-term monitoring of migratory bird populations thanks to its location on the College’s River and Field Campus (RAFC), an important stopover habitat for shorebirds and home to thousands of migrating and wintering ducks and geese each year. The Observatory continues to be one of the most active bird-banding stations on the East Coast, handling approximately 14,000 birds a year. 

Over 11,400 birds were banded this past season, an above-average total. The species total, 117, was slightly below average, however. Teams of student interns, fellows and researchers, led by FBBO’s Associate Director Maren Gimpel, recorded a capture rate of 44.3 birds per 100 net hours for the season. The rate is considered one of the best in recent years. Data from the spring and fall programs is reported to the North American Bird Banding Program. 

This Fall’s Top 5 Species Banded: 

• White-throated Sparrow (2,613) 

• Song Sparrow (1,273) 

• Swamp Sparrow (645) 

• Ruby-crowned Kinglet (637) 
• Gray Catbird (611) 

A highlight of this year was capturing a Hooded Merganser, a duck that is common on the lake from fall through early spring, but had somehow, never been snagged by the teams’ nets for the last 27 years.  (Click here to see his catch and release.)

“It's pretty uncommon for a songbird operation like ours to catch many waterbirds,” said Gimpel. “So every one of us was delighted to see this species up close. None of us had seen a Hooded Merganser in the hand before.” 

Gimpel pointed out that this season was a unique one, with species like Sharp-shinned Hawk, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Red-eyed Vireo, and Yellow Warbler observed in lower-than-normal numbers. Conversely, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, and Hermit Thrush were captured in record-high numbers. Overall, the season was a success and Gimpel is looking forward to getting back out to the fields this spring with student researchers.  

“As one of the few bird observatories affiliated with a small liberal arts college, we are able to contribute critical data to the North American bird banding database while exposing our undergrads to avian monitoring methodologies and current research, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore their passions in ornithology,” she said.  

Those interested in a day-by-day recap of all the bird banding fun should check out FBBO’s Instagram page.  

Testing for Bird Flu in Bald Eagles 

As the spring migration season gets underway, CES is expanding its bird banding operations to include one of the country’s most recognizable birds of prey – the Bald Eagle. David Kramar, RAFC Director, will be trapping the raptors to collect data on the health of the population within the region. In addition, this work will include opportunistically trapping Golden Eagles. While not as prevalent as Bald Eagles on the Eastern Shore, the Golden Eagle does migrate through the area. Since coming on board last April, Kramar has been hard at work expanding RAFC's research capabilities.  

Kramar has recently reprised his long-term work with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to band and test eagles across the state for avian flu as well as lead and mercury poisoning. By collecting blood and feather samples from each bird, Kramar hopes to help provide a greater understanding of the spread of avian flu in wild birds of prey. The data is reported to the state as well as the federal government. Soon, he hopes to expand the effort to Washington’s River and Field Campus as well. 

Get Involved 

Opportunities abound for Washington College students interested in ornithology, environmental management, and conservation to further their studies through semester-long paid internships and volunteer opportunities, fellowships, and academic class visits.  

To learn more about the many opportunities CES affords students to solve the most pressing issues facing the future of our planet and its people through experiential learning, community and civic engagement, and research, head to the CES webpage. 

 

- Dominique Ellis Falcon