Science Explorer
Exploring: Birds
Patuxent’s historical strength and emphasis has been in studies of migratory bird populations. See our migratory birds theme for more information. In addition, we do research on harvested species management, endangered birds, birds in the context of coastal restoration and...
Patuxent science expands our understanding of the ecological relationships between breeding bird communities and their habitats. For example, Patuxent scientists follow structured decision-making principles to optimize the management of fresh-water and salt-marsh habitats to benefit wetland bird communities. Following pioneering studies...
Because banding birds requires capturing the birds and handling them before the banding takes place, the banding of birds in the United States is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and requires a federal banding permit. Some states require a state permit as well. Only...
A bander must obtain authorization from the Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) before they start banding rehabilitated birds.
No, banding does not hurt birds. When proper techniques and equipment are carefully employed, it’s a safe procedure for birds. Trained banders, who apply their expertise and thoughtfulness towards the health and well-being of the birds, follow strict procedures based on the...
On the Lake Okeechobee side of Control Structure S-191, double-crested
cormorants rest atop the buoys and wooden posts. Lake Okeechobee is seen
to the right.
Four species of waterbirds in a protected wetland.
A large flock of birds, mostly egrets, resting and flying along a canal on Highway
833 (a short drive north off of I-75 (Alligator Alley)).
Four species of waterbirds in a protected wetland.
Flock of unidentified birds in water with Mangroves at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Birds found in and around the Salton Sea, California.
NWHC Wildlife Health Bulletin 2004-01Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
The U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center, with help from many partners and support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, has established "Lake Michigan Volunteer AMBLE - Avian Monitoring for Botulism Lakeshore Events." The goal of AMBLE is to empower a network of concerned citizens to monitor bird health and beach...
Deer, Birds, Wetlands, Turtle combination.
Here lie the birds killed while striking a set of buildings surveyed during the migration season in 2013 in Washington D.C. The birds were picked up by the group Lights Out Washington D.C. and include species such as Worm-eating Warlblers, Scarlet Tanagers, American Woodcock, Saw whet Owl, Coopers Hawk, Black and White Warbler, Swamp Sparrow,...
Birds found in and around the Salton Sea, California.
Three neotropical birds (Left to right: Magnolia warbler, Wilson's warbler, Canada warbler - all males) that were cought in mist net for banding
Hawaiian birds
Hawaii's 132 islands, reefs, and shoals extend 1,523 miles from the southernmost island of Hawaii to the northernmost islands at Kure Atoll. The northernmost islands, now eroded almost to sea level, are about 27 million years old, whereas the still-forming island of Hawaii is only about 750,000 years old. The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated...