Celebrating 800,000 Birds Banded at Powdermill Nature Reserve
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Chapter 1: Milestone Achievement
Field scientists at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC), recognized for operating the longest-running year-round bird banding program in the United States, have proudly announced the banding of their 800,000th bird.
As Bird Banding Program Manager Annie Lindsay shared, "At the end of the banding session yesterday, we were just 45 birds away from our goal, and we were certain it would be captured this morning."
On the morning of August 5, as anticipated, this significant bird arrived, marking a momentous occasion for the program, particularly as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of bird banding at Powdermill.
Section 1.1: The Special Cedar Waxwing
This milestone bird turned out to be a juvenile cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum, recognized for its unique plumage. As a young bird, it was already beginning to transition into its adult coloration, which is a honey hue.
One can observe that the tips of its tail feathers exhibit an orange hue instead of the usual lemon yellow. This coloration is a result of the diet rich in honeysuckle berries that its parents provided while it was still in the nest. The red carotenoid pigment, rhodoxanthin, found in these berries allows cedar waxwings and other songbirds to incorporate vibrant colors into their feathers.
Section 1.2: Cedar Waxwings and Their Habits
Cedar waxwings are known for their fruit-based diet and often roam extensively in search of food, especially during winter months.
“Cedar Waxwings are quite prevalent at Powdermill, and we band hundreds of them annually,” Ms. Lindsay noted. “This species was cherished by our founder, Bob Leberman, and serves as a beautiful reminder of his contributions to our research efforts at PARC.”
Chapter 2: A Legacy of Research and Conservation
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Powdermill Nature Reserve Hike in 2024!
Join us as we explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife at Powdermill Nature Reserve. This hike promises to be a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
PARC is distinguished as the nation’s longest-running professional bird banding program, banding around 10,000 birds each year while collecting data on an additional 5,000 recaptured individuals. Notably, in September 2020, PARC scientists captured a remarkable gynandromorph rose-breasted grosbeak, a bird exhibiting both male and female characteristics.
In addition to celebrating this remarkable achievement, PARC is looking forward to breaking ground on a new avian research facility later this fall. Established in 1956 through the generosity of General and Mrs. Richard K. Mellon and Dr. and Mrs. Alan M. Scaife, Powdermill Nature Reserve now spans over 2,200 acres, providing a foundation for educational programs and vital research on natural populations.
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