Pocono Avian Research Center
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Breeding season research with the Institute for Bird Populations:
MAPS- Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship

    The study includes constant effort mist netting, bird banding, breeding bird surveys, data management and a vegetation analysis at each research site. During the breeding season, many songbirds will return to nest in the same location as they have for many years. In this study, we are looking at this nest site fidelity. Adult birds that are banded are recorded and this information is then compared to past years. Many times we find that the adults are located near the same net they have been in the past. This is our investigation into survival rates for adults. We also observe the adults for signs of breeding condition. If the adult female has a brood patch, we can conclude that she is on the nest. As the banding season progressing, we often will find some young individuals in our nets. 
    Within the last few years, PARC has participated in a variety of MAPS studies. The media attention to the avian flu opened up opportunities for banders to become involved. In 2006, PARC has participated in an Avian Flu sampling survey in conjunction with UCLA. Observations of banded birds were recorded and some measurements taken that were specific to the study. All data was shared with the UCLA biology department. Information from banders across the country identified the lack of the avian flu virus in migratory songbirds. 
    The MAPS study period for our region is from late May through August. MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) is a continent wide effort coordinated by the Institute for Bird Populations in Point Reyes Station, CA.
PictureMale Common Yellowthroat

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2015: We reopened an old station at Canadensis and were rewarded with a spectacular array of birds including veery, black-and-white-warbler, black capped chickadee, chipping sparrow, ovenbird, and more.   Lots of great birds were seen at our regular stations at Kettle Creek and Two Mile Run including Nashville warbler, prairie warbler, red-eyed vireo ad grey catbirds. The entire crew was spectacular.  Thanks to: Angela, Ryan, Bekah, Steven, and Lisa.
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2014: One of the most exciting birds we have banded during maps is the pileated woodpecker, seen here in Darryl's hand.  Once this bird was banded and measured, it was released.
Other birds banded this year included: indigo bunting, black-capped chickadee, ovenbird, and grey catbird.

Picture
Photo by Amber Rice
What a wonderful last few days of MAPS 2012.  We banded this male hooded warbler in the final hour of research at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.  A great big thank you to the summer crew of Amber, Autumn, Bekah, Joanna, Joe, Mike, Stephen, and Tom. 

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  • Home
  • Research
    • Project Owlnet
    • MAPS
    • Bluebird Nestbox Project
  • Education
    • Northern Saw-whet Owl
  • Photo Gallery