Conservation Leadership Initiative students get an up-close experience with bird banding

Audubon Florida’s year-long Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) program provides college students with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills and get hands-on experience in local conservation efforts. Students are paired with leaders from local Audubon chapters who act as mentors throughout the program by getting the students involved with their chapter and collaborating on a project designed by the student. The 2022-2023 program kicked off with regional field trips in place of the Audubon Assembly that was canceled due to hurricane Ian.

The Tampa Bay area students and mentors were invited to an up-close and personal experience with Florida Avian Conservation (FAC) at their banding station on Caladesi Island. The day began with an early ferry ride from Honeymoon Island State Park to Caladesi Island. When we arrived, we were met by FAC volunteers that led us through the restricted area of the park to the banding station. Along the way, we got to know each other, spotted a Merlin and talked about careers in conservation. When we arrived, there were already a few birds ready to be banded. Jim McGinity, master bander and environmental science teacher at Learning Gate Community School, gave us the rundown on the banding process.

Students had the opportunity to watch the banding process, learn about the importance of banding birds and release birds after banding. CLI student and student at Eckerd College, Ellis West, described his experience at the banding station:

Visiting the Caladesi station was a wonderful, immersive experience. Those working there were extensively knowledgeable and did a great job explaining how the banding process works. Additionally, I appreciate how accommodating they were to my service dog and I. Both of us had a great time!

Banding demonstration

CLI students and mentors gather around while master bander Jim McGinity demonstrates the banding process

Explanation of the bands used

Jim McGinity explains which bands are used for each bird and how the bands are applied.

Explanation of data collection

Jim McGinity explains what data is collected and why it is collected during the banding process.

Species identification

A bird was collected from a mist net. Jim McGinity identified it and explained identifying features to the group.

Species identification and data collection

While the volunteers were collecting data on the bird in hand, Jim McGinity talked to the group about the species and identifying features of that bird.