The Daily Times

Citizen-scientists, Tremont needs you.

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is offering its 2011 Bird Banding Program, and volunteers from the community are being asked to assist in this important research project. Similar projects are done at other national and state parks as well as private lands and universities across the country.

Scientists estimate that there are nearly 230 different species of birds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thirty-four species considered endangered, threatened or of conservation concern have been observed in the park. With all its unusual birds, it is no surprise that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most important places for birds in the eastern United States.

Keeping up with all these species within the 520,000 acres of the national park is a daunting task, and for the past 11 years, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has been assisting the park in monitoring these birds through bird banding.

Gathering essential data

“The park continuously updates its bird database,” said Tiffany Beachy, Tremont’s citizen science coordinator, “and it pays particular attention to records of breeding behavior and occurrence of blood parasites and feather mites by species. Having an up-to-date database assists park staff in making the best possible decisions regarding management of the many habitats,” she added.

“We catch, mark, and release birds during the breeding season,” Beachy continued. “We do this to get information about how long birds live, how many young they are producing, and how often they return to the same nesting area.”

At the beginning of the season, volunteers help erect nets to catch the birds, and each day the nets are opened at sunrise. During the ensuing six hours, the nets are checked and birds are removed and assessed. Detailed notes are taken about wing cord, mass, age and gender. After the birds are inspected, a metal bracelet is applied to their legs, and they are released.

Beachy said the station at Tremont is located in a mature forest. Each session, they are able to catch and band about five to 20 birds.

The bands have a unique number on them, which is registered with the Bird Banding Laboratory in Maryland. If that bird is ever captured again, or if it is found dead, it is hoped that the finder will report the bird’s status and band number to the laboratory, so that they, in turn, can notify the originator of the band.

The Bird Banding Lab is based at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. This is the sole permitting agency for bird bands in the country.

Getting the public involved

Bird banding is one of a number of citizen science projects carried out at Tremont each year. Tremont uses citizen science—the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research—as another tool to connect people with nature. Through this program, students as well as other volunteers have the chance to contribute to the scientific research conducted within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Bird banding sessions typically last 5-6 hours beginning with set-up a half hour before sunrise. Participants do not have to attend the entire session. Dress should be weather-appropriate. Participants should bring plenty of water and rain gear in case of sudden showers. There can be bugs, poison ivy or an occasional stream to cross, so participants should be prepared for all those situations.

This project is done during the summer months in order to study the ecology, conservation and management of landbird populations and factors affecting their breeding success. Tremont campers often participate as do Girl and Boy Scout troops.

It is a challenge that appeals to young and old.

“It’s not every day you get to see a living, breathing, wide-eyed little songbird in hand,” Beach explained. “These guys are flitting all around us, singing their beautiful ballads and gracing us with their presence, but they often go unnoticed. This is a chance for folks to see just one small piece of the wonder that is all around them.”

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing in-depth experiences through residential educational programs designed to nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship. Tremont welcomes all ages to step away from their daily routine to learn, reflect and grow while living in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You must be logged in to Facebook to comment. If you're not logged in to Facebook, a login window will open when you click "comment". Or you can log in now. You may need to refresh your page after logging in via that link.