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Feathers and facts: How bird banding helps us understand avian life

A rose-breasted grosbeak being held at a bird banding station.
Courtesy of Tony Rothering
Rose-breasted grosbeak

What’s it like to hold a feathered friend in your hand? Lincoln Land Community College biology professor Tony Rothering knows the feeling. He spoke to Community Voices about bird banding in Central Illinois, and how local residents can take part as citizen scientists. He also explained how bird banding provides insights into avian life, the research conducted on the Saw-whet Owl and what may be behind the decline in bird populations.

For more information visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LLABirdBanders/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Lincoln-Land-Community-College-Bird-Banding-Station-100068119867862/

 

 

Vanessa was the Community Voices Production Coordinator at NPR Illinois from 2021-2025. She continues her passion for broadcasting as a co-host of the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network.
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