The Tatlayoko Lake Bird Observatory has banded over 20,000 birds and recorded over 250 000 individual birds since 2006. The data we collect is submitted to the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network and forms part of an international program to evaluate migratory bird population trends over long-term periods. Data from the TLBO, and other Canadian bird observatories, is available upon request on the NatureCounts website where it is also possible to explore the TLBO’s specific data by bird species. To do this select “Population Indices” in the “Explore” tab then choose our bird observatory from the list.
Monitoring is conducted every fall from August 3 until September 28. Each day during this period trained staff and volunteers spend 6 hours, starting at sunrise, counting the migratory and resident birds within the census area of the bird observatory. Monitoring is comprised of three methods; banding, a daily census and observations. Banding is the most time- and effort-intensive as the 12 mistnets need to be checked regularly as bird safety is our top priority during the capture and handling of the birds we band. The banding process involves opening our mistnets at dawn, each net being 12m long and ~2.5m high and are set in the same locations each year. Birds are carefully extracted from the nets and brought back to the nearby banding lab where we put a small metal band that has a unique 9-digit number on it around their leg. We take a few measurements such as weight and wing length, determine the age and sex of the bird to the degree possible (species dependent) and check how much fat they have (visible through their translucent skin) and whether they are moulting any feathers or not. Once this data is collected the birds are released. We also regularly catch birds we have already banded and for these we collect he same data. Some interesting recaptures from previous years include two Swainson’s Thrushes and a Northern Waterthrush that were each at least 8 years old based on the time lapsed between when they were first banded and subsequently recaptured! While we have never had any “foreign” recaptures (birds banded eat another site) we have had a few of the birds we’ve banded encountered elsewhere. These include a Wilson’s Warbler recovered in California and a Song Sparrow north of Seattle, Washington. Several of our Northern Saw-whet Owls have been caught at the Rocky Point Bird Observatory on southern Vancouver Island and we have had others recovered further north on Vancouver Island, on the Sunshine Coast (north of Vancouver) and in eastern Washington State.
Banding data provides information on stopover ecology, reproductive success (rate of hatch-year vs adults captured), timing differences between age and sex classes, an individual birds physical condition and a host of other information that is not possible to discern from simple visual/auditory counts. It is also an effective method of monitoring species that are difficult to detect by other means.
High data quality is the most important goal of a bird observatory and thus standardization of methods, in particular for banding and census, on a daily and year-to-year basis is strived for as much as is possible.
Bird observatories such as the TLBO provide important opportunities for public education and engagement and each season we host students from the local public schools during September. Visitors are welcome and despite our remote location we get regular visits, both from within the community (especially for our owl banding program!) and tourists. Another important aspect of the TLBO is offering opportunities for training of aspiring biologists through our volunteer program. Previous volunteers at the TLBO have gone on to pursue careers in academia, biology and environmental/wildlife consultancy using field skills and knowledge obtained at the TLBO. Finally, we also offer infrastructure for collaboration with research and over the years we have hosted researchers as well as collected biological samples (such as feather) for several bird-related projects.
Each season’s data and activities is summarized in an annual report, which you can access here.
- TLBO Annual Report 2023
- TLBO Annual Report 2022
- TLBO Annual Report 2021
- TLBO Annual Report 2020
- TLBO Annual Report 2019
- TLBO Annual Report 2018
- TLBO Annual Report 2017
- TLBO Annual Report 2015
- TLBO Annual Report 2014
- TLBO Annual Report 2013
- TLBO Annual Report 2012
- TLBO Annual Report 2011
- TLBO Annual Report 2010
- TLBO Annual Report 2009
- TLBO Annual Report 2008
- TLBO Annual Report 2006 & 2007
- Tatlayoko_Protocol_v.3.0_ALB (2024)
Great report Avery! Thanks
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Husband and I are interested in Volunteering during the banding period. Could you please send me info on how to go about this, clothing needed, suggestions, etc. We have a 25′ trailer we can live in. Any and all suggestions welcomed. Please send to the enclosed email.
Hi Debbi, thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. I can’t see the email address in your comment. Please send an email to tatlayokobirds@hotmail.com for more information
A bit shocking to see the numbers so low for the past 2 yrs. These beautiful avian messengers are often harbingers as well.
Great detail and obvious passion all around. Bravo!