Important Bird Areas Program
Bird Banding Information
Thank
you for your interest in bird banding! In order to maximize
your enjoyment and safety, as well as the safety of our birds
and data, please read this information in order to prepare for a
successful outing.
There are no facilities at either site, short of bushes and trees. Please bring adequate water for 6-8 hours in the field, and consider bringing snacks. Both sites are grasslands with minimal shade, so I recommend using sunscreen and long pants. A visored hat can be helpful. If you choose to use bug spray or sunscreen, you must apply it before you leave your home, so that you can wash it off your hands. We cannot expose birds or banding equipment to these kinds of chemicals.
We MOST need help at the very beginning and end of the day, when we set up and take down nets. So while company is welcome at any time, we especially appreciate those who can arrive on time and/or stay to the very end. If you visit Panola, you must arrive on time, since I am not allowed to give out the gate code, and the banding station is about 1 mile in.
Bird nets are hard to see and easy to destroy. If something on your body snags the net as you walk by, it will cause a very large hole in the net. Please wear clothing with minimal zippers, buttons or Velcro on the outside. Remove watches and any jewelry which can catch a net. As you walk by nets, please give a LOT of space to the net, especially if someone is removing a bird. A good rule of thumb is to leave 2 feet between you and the net, so you won’t catch the net if the wind blows it towards you.
While only experienced individuals are allowed to remove a bird from a net, we have lots of important (if less exciting) tasks for all participants. This may include carrying gear, holding a bag with a bird in it, taking notes for the bander, etc. If you come, you’ll be put to work! In the interest of keeping our birds safe, please do not touch any bird without prior approval of the bander.
Our stations are run exclusively by volunteers, and our equipment and supplies are obtained through donations, grants and “roadside shopping” (we recycle many things!) So much of our stuff is ugly, but serviceable. Some kind people have asked what kind of donations we can use. Suggestions include: hand sanitizer, rope of the sort which we use, plastic stakes, folding chairs which can be left outside, sewn bird bags, and, of course, cash. We need to replace the shelter at Panola. If you know of a serviceable shelter that is available for free or very cheap, please let us know.
Directions to Bird Banding Locations
To the study site at Joe Kurz WMA (an Important Bird Area) in
Meriwether County:
From the intersection of GA 18 and US 19 in Zebulon, take GA 18
west through Concord. Go right on Flat Shoals Road (also known
as Gay-Flat Shoals Road), going west. After a bit more than 5
miles, and shortly after the Flint River bridge, turn right on
Germany Road (So far this year, the sign has stayed in place).
The pavement will end soon. When it does, check your odometer.
The site is on the left about 1.1 miles after the pavement ends.
You’ll also cross a very tiny, narrow bridge. The site is about
0.4 mile past this bridge. The site is opposite River Road
(which does not have a sign). If you get there before me, look
for a chain across a small pull-off with a big (10 hectare, or
about 25 acre) field behind it.
To the banding site at Panola Mountain State Park (Rockdale
County) from the south:
Take SR 155 north from McDonough about 15 miles. Just before the
main entrance (which is on the right side of 155) turn right on
Alexander Lake Road. Follow several miles to the end. Take a
left at the “T”. You will immediately come to a gate. Wait there
to be let in, or call Charlie’s cell phone.
To Panola from the north: Take I-285 to route 155 south. Look for and pass the main park entrance on the left, then take the next left on Alexander Lake Road, as above.
Funding for this banding station is assisted by a grant from Georgia Ornithological Society. An additional GOS grant is helping to restore native plants to the area.
For more information on the MAPS program, visit the Institute for Bird Populations at www.birdpop.org