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.
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.
 
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
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Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
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Email:    info@usn.org

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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.