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.
-
Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.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.