Why Migrate? Food availability Weather Mating

So where to? Many birds follow migration corridors called flyways Following important habitat features; food water etc.

Wintering Grounds The place where a migratory bird spends the winter Important places throughout the US include South Texas, Louisiana marshes South Florida As far south as Central and South America Canada Warbler

Why Band a Bird? Tells scientists several things about different populations Where birds go How they get there How long they live

Measurements Taken Wing Chord (shoulder to tip) Tail Length Sex Age Species Weight

Data Collection USGS Bird Banding Laboratory, Patuxent Maryland Place where all information is stored Every bird banded in North America has an entry in the banding labs database Info about a recaptured bird can be looked up in database

Migratory Bird Laws Migratory bird treaty act of 1918 Partnership between The United States, Mexico, Russia, The United Kingdom (Canada), and Japan Federally protects nearly every aspect of a migratory birds life

Migratory Bird Laws cont. Prohibited actions under Migratory Bird Treaty Act Harass, kill, capture, move, sell, buy, possess, any migratory bird or part of a migratory bird including nests and feathers. Unless authorized by the Department of the Interior, hunting seasons, permits to possess etc.

Photo Credits Snow Geese: Flyways One: Winter: Grasshopper: Pair Bond: Flyways Two: Canada Warbler Map: Banding: Adam Landon 2010 Snow Goose Neck Band: Leg Band: Bird on Scale: Adam Landon 2010 Bird Wing Measure: Amanda Filipi 2010