Spring is in the air and you are invited to join our WCT bird banding team where you can learn about the various phases of bird banding.  The primary goal of the Rushton Woods Banding Station is to provide continuous migration and breeding monitoring information in addition to promoting the appreciation and conservation of birds and their habitats through scientific research, education and awareness of our natural world.  

Led by the brilliant Doris McGovern, a federally licensed bird bander, our staff is available to provide you with a unique opportunity to get close to various species of songbirds.  

This season promises to be an exciting one as we have a newly constructed banding shelter, thanks to Cody Pitz and his Radnor Boy Scout Troop.  Whether you come for the day to observe or you are inspired to become part of the program as a regular volunteer, we’re sure you will have a fantastic time during your visit. 

The banding station is located at the Rushton Woods Preserve and you may park in the Rushton Farm parking lot, located at the corner of Goshen and Delchester Roads, with the entrance on Delchester Road .  You can walk towards the hedgerows opposite the parking lot and follow the path to the right which eventually turns left and cuts through the hedgerow.  Take the left path and follow until you see our research table. 

Our program will run every week during spring migration beginning Tuesday, April 19, through the first week of June and will occur every Tuesday and Wednesday as weather permits-we will not band if it rains. Although the nets go up at sunrise, visitors wishing to see the most birds should arrive no later than 8 am.  Action is often constant until about 11am, after which the nets are closed.   

Teaching children and adults a conservation ethic, the importance for preserving open space, and the value and use of scientific research skills are the passions which the Willistown Conservation Trust staff members strive to share with all of the participants that visit our bird banding station.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone anytime.  We hope to see you throughout the season! Gratefully,Lisa

Please forgive my erroneous post earlier today – Lisa Kiziuk received her sub-permit under Master Bander Doris McGovern.

The sub-permit is administered by the USGS Bird Banding Lab and is a great accomplishment.

Apologies for my misunderstanding and miscommunication.

-Jodi

Apologies for my misunderstanding –  my last post was in error.

Lisa received her federally licensed sub-permit under  Doris McGovern, who is the Master Bander.  The sub-permit is administered by the USGS Bird Banding Lab.

Congratulations Lisa, and please forgive the mistake!

-Jodi

 

We thought you might enjoy this lovely poem inspired by the Trust’s bird banding activities at Rushton Woods Preserve this fall.  It was penned by Blake Goll, our recently hired stewardship intern.

As the ardent air of autumn eclipses the weary haze of summer’s last breath,
The wind whispers to the wild wings that it is time.
Oh how the northern trees must weep as they somberly settle into winter solitude
And yearn for the intimate avian romance that enchants their days of green.
By most of mankind, the birds’ desperate southern voyage goes unseen

But to the fortunate few, like you and I, this is the splendor we have feverishly awaited!
As if a million precious gems of a giant royal chest were catapulted south,
We scramble frantically to touch as many as we can before they continue spilling past,
Each jewel in hand more exquisite and exciting than the last.

Like secretive spiders faithfully tending their dewy webs by dawn’s dim light,
We raise our mist nets in hopes of gently snaring a few denizens of the sky;
A small silver ring upon the ankle, a reverent study of intricate feathers, then the rapturous release that leaves us breathless in awe,
Each lovely feathered captive feeds our hunger to understand
The storied lives of the heavenly birds with whom we share the land.

Blake Goll
Willistown Conservation Trust
Stewardship Intern