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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MS Quiz Bowl team heads to national championships
The Quiz Bowl team traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face several top teams from across the country at this year's South Warren Tournament. USN's second-place finish earned the team an invitation to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments' National Championships in May.Read More -
Alumni return to share insights with students
Read MoreIn an inspiring new initiative, USN's health care career spotlight, organized by Ruchika Ramachandran ’27 and Yvonne Wang ’27, brought a wealth of alumni back to the school for an evening of shared expertise and personal stories. This first-of-its-kind event was a great example of the power of connection, mentorship, and community evident throughout the USN community. -
Band students meet composer Larry Clark
Ahead of the All Bands Winter Concert, students got to play for Larry Clark, the composer who arranged the holiday medley that the band will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 in Durnan Auditorium.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
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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.