Welcome to the science conducted by the Alaska Science Center.
FAQs
I recovered a bird band with illegible numbers. How can I get the band etched so I can read and report the numbers?
Most bird bands are made of an aluminum alloy and have unique numbers engraved. These numbers can wear off with time to the point that one or more numbers become illegible. The time that it takes for a bird band number to wear off depends on the habits of that bird species and the amount of time that it spends in the water. For instance, a band on a Mallard might wear off one number in 6 to 8...
What functions are available in the Bander Portal for bird banders?
Use the Bander Portal to: Submit your banding and recapture data to the Bird Banding Laboratory View and download your banding and recapture data View your data submission history View and update your contact information List subpermittees, band inventory, and locations associated with your permit Order bands and confirm bands as received Request transferal of bands TO your permit or FROM your...
How can I get bird banding and encounter data, and longevity records, from the Bird Banding Laboratory?
Banding and encounter data are available for research purposes. Individual banding data records exist electronically starting in 1960. Pre-1960 banding data are available only for birds that have been encountered. Individual encounter data are available from 1913. To make a data request go to the Banding and Encounter Data page. Longevity records shows recorder holders for each bird species and...
Education
Polar Bear Maternal Den Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center: Middle School Lesson
Participate in this fun, interactive lesson that allows students to think like a wildlife biologist! This middle and high school lesson focuses on how changes in sea ice extent are leading to shifts in location and distribution of polar bear maternal dens in northern Alaska. Additionally, students can learn how to measure distances between dens and industrial sites.
Goose Nesting Camera Activity with the USGS Alaska Science Center: Middle School Lesson
Participate in this fun, interactive lesson that allows students to think like a USGS Wildlife Biologist! This lesson explores how disturbances in the natural environment could impact the nesting habits of geese in the wild. In this activity, students analyze camera shots of different nests and evaluate how the length of incubation breaks taken by geese can vary due to local disturbances.
Resources and Links for Boreal Partners in Flight
There is enormous value in learning about our natural world. Educational resources help us with this endeavor and help us teach others about landbirds. Note: This list is for your convenience. We are not advertising or endorsing any product or entity listed.