Migratory Bird Behavior and Bird Banding Education
Additional Funding Sources
This research was supported by an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant.
Abstract
Songbird migration is a marvel, especially that of the Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla), which travels from as far north as Alaska to as far south as Costa Rica for breeding and wintering respectively. The Intermountain Bird Observatory in Boise, ID aids research in bird migration, productivity, and survivorship and puts an emphasis on public outreach and education. We created a children’s book to highlight the process of bird banding and Wilson’s Warblers' lengthy migration. Based on a real Wilson’s Warbler banded in Denali National Park in Alaska and recaptured at Camas NWR in Idaho, that warbler traveled over 2000 miles in 3 weeks, and this fantastic endurance is what we chose to showcase in the book. Not only this but also breeding and migratory behavior, as well as interspecies interactions and the banding process. Endearingly named Wilma, the book follows her after a successful breeding season in Alaska, through the IBO banding station in Boise, between stops, another banding station in Albuquerque, and all the way to her wintering grounds in San Lui Potosi, Mexico. Meant to engage children in wildlife ecology and conservation, for every book bought from IBO, one to two, depending on the donation, are provided to a classroom in the Treasure Valley.
Migratory Bird Behavior and Bird Banding Education
Songbird migration is a marvel, especially that of the Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla), which travels from as far north as Alaska to as far south as Costa Rica for breeding and wintering respectively. The Intermountain Bird Observatory in Boise, ID aids research in bird migration, productivity, and survivorship and puts an emphasis on public outreach and education. We created a children’s book to highlight the process of bird banding and Wilson’s Warblers' lengthy migration. Based on a real Wilson’s Warbler banded in Denali National Park in Alaska and recaptured at Camas NWR in Idaho, that warbler traveled over 2000 miles in 3 weeks, and this fantastic endurance is what we chose to showcase in the book. Not only this but also breeding and migratory behavior, as well as interspecies interactions and the banding process. Endearingly named Wilma, the book follows her after a successful breeding season in Alaska, through the IBO banding station in Boise, between stops, another banding station in Albuquerque, and all the way to her wintering grounds in San Lui Potosi, Mexico. Meant to engage children in wildlife ecology and conservation, for every book bought from IBO, one to two, depending on the donation, are provided to a classroom in the Treasure Valley.