Alaska Songbird Institute

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Bird Banding at CFMS

This long-term songbird monitoring project began on Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in the fall of 1992. Our banding station is the only one of its kind in Alaska’s vast boreal forest. In fact, CFMS is the northernmost continuously operated banding station in North America, which positions us to collect unique data on North American songbird populations.

 

Banding occurs during the spring and fall migration periods. In the spring, the station operates from late April to early June. In the fall, it operates from late July to late September. Each year, we capture and band as many as 3,000 birds at CFMS. Once we capture birds, we record their age and sex, along with physical data, such as their mass, fat levels, and breeding condition. This information allows us to study long-term changes in bird populations in interior Alaska, including timing of migration, breeding, and overall productivity.

 

Volunteers are essential to the project, and they assist with every aspect of the scientific process. Our Science Advisory Committee consists of volunteer scientists who assist with the development and monitoring of long-term projects and goals. Community volunteers of all ages actively participate in field work including retrieving birds from mist nets, recording and proofing data, managing equipment, educating visitors, and training new volunteers.

 

Up to 3,500 people visit the station each year, including about 80 school groups. Students learn about our scientific methods and process, the ecology of passerines, migration, and conservation concerns.

 

We do not currently offer paid tours of our banding station, but independent visitors are always welcome to drop in for a visit. We ask that groups of 5 or more call ahead to schedule a visit. Banding is weather dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. If you would like to schedule a visit or if you have any questions, call us at (907) 888-2121.

Banding FAQs

Why band birds?

Bird banding allows biologists to gather valuable information from birds that can only be obtained from having birds in the hand. Although surveying birds from a distance can provide information on what birds are in the area, bird banding provides an in-depth look at these populations by examining their demography (age and sex), breeding characteristics (such as a brood patch for incubating eggs and hatchlings), and body condition (fat stores used for migration, weight). Banding stations across the world share their data to answer questions about bird ecology, movement, and population dynamics. If a banded bird is recaptured later in its lifetime, researchers can learn about that species’ migration patterns, longevity, and ecology. And at a time when bird populations are declining rapidly across the world, bird banding provides information that helps us understand why birds are dying, which species are most impacted, and what we can do to help.

 

How do you band birds?

Songbirds are captured in super fine nets that are set up in bird flyway paths, such as between trees or vegetation patches. These “mist” nets do not hurt the birds. Usually, captured birds rest gently in the net pocket, suspended as they would be in a hammock. We check our nets frequently so that our trained staff and volunteers can carefully remove them as quickly as possible. Our banders then fit the birds with a special, lightweight aluminum leg band that is inscribed with a unique nine-digit number–similar to your own social security digits. We identify their species, age, and sex, and take several standard measurements. Our banders usually release birds within 15 minutes of handling, though processing time is typically only about 2-5 minutes. Lastly, we take photographs of the birds and release them unharmed.

 

Does banding hurt birds?

No, banding does not hurt birds. Trained banders, who apply their expertise and thoughtfulness towards the health and well-being of the birds, follow strict procedures based on the Bander’s Code of Ethics, and take measures to minimize stress to the bird throughout the process. Bird safety and welfare is always prioritized during a bird banding effort.


How can I get involved?

There are many ways for community members of all ages to get involved!