Friday, February 20, 2009

Learning more about banding birds in Ohio

Last night I went to my first ever Cincinnati Bird club meeting…and it was wonderful! Dave Russell from Miami University lectured on his work at the university and the banding stations at the Avian Research and Education Institute (AREI) and the Miami University Bird Observatory (MUBO) located in Hueston Woods. Dave is one of less than 100 bird banding trainers in North America and one of only five in Ohio.

It was an awesome presentation, and I’m definitely going to look into it. Matty is also interested. AREI makes banding training and migration research available to high school and college students (adults are welcome too). This summer Matty becomes a 9th grader, so we're in. I hope we can volunteer and learn how to do a little banding or at least watch a banding station in action and help out a bit. A lot of the research obtained from banding is used to help with conservation.  Click here for more information on AREI.

I agree Red, you'd look hot with a nifty little 
AREI bracelet, and Lady Red would definitely dig it!
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6 comments:

  1. KimFebruary 20, 2009 at 10:36 PM

    Kelly, that sounds like a fantastic opportunity to help our little feathered friends. I also think its a great way to spend time with your son. It's a wonderful way to teach him at his young age, the significance and importance of birds.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2009 at 9:23 AM

    Good for you, I hope you get in too. Handling the wild birds can be thrilling. Helping them survive is rewarding.

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  3. FABFebruary 21, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Sounds like your'e hooked. Go for it & enjoy.

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  4. Warren BakerFebruary 21, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    Kelly I help out with ''Banding'' birds here. ( we call it ringing!) It is absolutly facinating.

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  5. ShelleyFebruary 22, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    I hope you get to band the birds - I would love to hear about it! There is a waiting list and big committment at the local nature center by us to be able to volunteer. Your cardinal is very handsome!

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  6. KellyFebruary 22, 2009 at 1:03 PM

    Thanks, everyone...it sounded very exciting. I hope there is room. Warren...ringing/banding...I love learning the subtle differences between European and American birding.

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