This is a Wings over Whidbey Free Festival Event
In-Person Only - Attendance is limited to 40 people.
“Bird Banding – An Important Tool for Supporting Avian Conservation” with Scott Markowitz and the Puget Sound Bird Observatory
Bird banding is one of the oldest and most important techniques used for studying and identifying individual birds. The banding of millions of birds annually worldwide contributes greatly to the study of birds' habits that can lead to a greater understanding of their needs. Data collected through bird banding is useful in both scientific research and in habitat management and avian conservation projects. Individual identification of birds makes possible studies of dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, life-span and survival rate, reproductive success, and population growth.
Scott Markowitz
Master Bander and banding instructor Scott Markowitz and banders from the Puget Sound Bird Observatory will share an overview of banding techniques and tales about this fascinating aspect of avian research. An avid birder, researcher, educator, and scientist, Scott has developed a strong passion for all things feathered. From studying the process of molt in Passerines to looking at large scale conservation and habitat restoration, Scott is a true bird nerd. He started banding birds in England where he earned his first ringing license from the British Trust for Ornithology. There he contributed research on Sand Martins (Bank Swallows), Gulls, Eurasian Coot, and other waterfowl, and the effects of vegetation management on migrant Acrocephalus warblers. His current research looks at feather color and wear in Melospiza melodia (Song Sparrow) using color temperature algorithms.
Live only, no Zoom program. Register below. Registration is limited to 40 people.