The Science of Bird Banding at USN
by Lisa Preston, lower school naturalist
Since late October, we have been feeding the birds in the outdoor classroom.
Since late October, we have been feeding the birds in the outdoor classroom.
Students have been visiting the outdoor classroom weekly to document the different species of birds and record the average number of species sightings each week, developing an eye for each type of bird and an ear for their songs. The second graders have also been using the Discover Birds Activity books that were published and sponsored by the Tennessee Ornithological Society to learn more about birds.
Early in April, our resident birds were documented in a whole new way. Cyndi Routledge of Southeastern Avian Research came to teach us more about birds which are close to her heart. She explained the practice of banding and the importance of data collection from year to year. Ms. Routledge, along with volunteers John Kell and Susan Hollyday (who themselves have lots of experience with birds), banded twenty-five birds in our outdoor classroom.
Each bird was gently caught in mist nets that were strategically placed in the outdoor classroom area, then carefully removed, examined for their overall health, and banded with a tiny aluminum band. Their wings were measured, the bird was aged and a sex was determined, and then they were gently released~it was a joy to watch them fly away each time.
Students were able to see the birds up close and see the scientists in action as they recorded data about each bird.
We look forward to next year when we can hope to see some of the same birds so that we can learn how their feathers and overall health change over time.
Birds...what a wondrous, wild gift we have around us.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Author, builder Cheryl McKissack Daniel ’79 named 2026 Distinguished Alumna
University School of Nashville will recognize Distinguished Alumna Cheryl McKissack Daniel ’79 her pioneering work as a builder during the Class of 2026’s Convocation on Tuesday, May 12.Read More -
HS Quiz Bowl continues success, qualifies for nationals
The Quiz Bowl team won second place in the South Warren Spartan Open tournament, qualifying the team for the 2026 High School National Championship tournament. Congratulations to Basil Broemel '28 and Jasmine Horwitz '26 for placing seventh and ninth, respectively.Read More -
USN restarts composting program
Students and faculty have resumed composting at USN. Through collaboration, persistence, and student leadership across all divisions, the program has already gotten off to a great start.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.