For the Birds! Bird Banding at Panola Mountain

By:

Early on a Saturday morning (4:30 a.m.), we went to Panola Mountain State Park to assist with our very first bird banding experience.  We met up with Charlie Muise, coordinator of the Georgia IBA (Important Bird Areas) Program and several others from the Georgia Audubon Society.  Under Charlie's supervision we assisted setting up nets to capture the birds in the area so research could be gathered about the types of birds in our community.  A scientist from the CDC also joined us and she would examine the birds for parasites and take samples that would be sent back to the CDC.  We assisted scientists with setting up nets, retrieving birds from nets, assisted with identifying birds, examining molting patterns, taking field notes, banding birds, and releasing the birds back into their habitat.  We encountered a variety of Sparrows, Warblers, Indigo Buntings, Grey Cat Birds, Cardinals, and several others that we logged on our bird watching field check list.  This information allowed us to learn about the birds in our area and current migration patterns taking place during this time.