The Beauty of Birdbanding at the SWAMP

by Peggy Hormann

This year I decided to volunteer one morning for the SWAMP Birdbanding Project. Professor Caleb Gordon and some of his Lake Forest College students open the mist nets at the Skokie River Nature Preserve at 5:00 a.m. The nets are checked each hour, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Each hour the captured birds are banded, weighed, and wing length is measured. They are evaluated for fat by blowing on the abdominal feathers looking for the yellow color of fat under the skin. The sex, age, feather wear, feather molting and evidence of mites are documented. Then the birds are released.

All volunteers are encouraged to assist in all these procedures. The thought of handling such tiny, fragile creatures is a little scary at first, but Caleb and his experienced helpers guide each new volunteer through each step. Children age 9 and up are given special attention so they have an enriching experience.

I found it truly exciting to see the beauty of these birds up really close. Thanks to the opportunity provided by the SWAMP project I had the privilege of experiencing first hand the wonder of holding a Swainsons Thrush, feeling its pulse and touching the softness of its body.

CAS members should consider volunteering for birdbanding next spring. I know you will learn a lot and be touched by beauty as well.