M.A.P.S

MAPS stands for Monitoring Avian Production and Survivorship.  This is a bird banding research project that focuses on studying the population of birds in their breeding habitat.  The data gathered during this project will help to determine the productivity, recruitment and survival of different bird species. We follow a very specific protocol established by The Institute for Bird Populations. This is a continent wide project with more than 1,200 MAPS stations spread across nearly every state and Canadian province have collected more than 2.5 million bird capture records since 1989.  

This project involves capturing birds with mist nets in order to collect the data needed. Mist nets are made of a very fine material and are difficult for the birds to see.  The nets will be checked every 40 minutes and any birds capture will be carefully extracted by trained staff.  Once the bird is extracted it will be given a small metal leg band that has a unique number stamped into it. This will help us to identify the bird if it gets recaptured.  After determining the species and sex we take several measurements and then the bird is released. Photos are taken of some notable species or ones that were difficult to age. Often times there will not be time for photos as we will need to ensure the nets are getting checked on time.

We will open the nets at sunrise and run 7 net checks every 40 minutes.  The 12 nets are placed along a 1 mile loop through the park so we typically hike 8 miles a day often at a rigorous pace.  The trail is narrow, sometimes wet and lined with sticker bushes and poison ivy so pants and sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. 

During our time operating the station we will keep track of every bird species that is seen or heard within our banding area and take note of any breeding behavior.

Check out this great video created by naturalist Kimberly Curren that goes over our M.A.P.S. project and some of the bird species we capture. While this video mentions our old banding site, Ward Farm, the rest of the information still applies to our new site at Gatewood Preserve.

Calvert Steward Tasks

• Assist with spotting and identifying birds seen and heard 
• Recording data during banding process
• Setup and take down of equipment

Training  New volunteers may email gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov to set up a day to come out and observe. 

Qualifications: If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this project please attend one of the public banding day programs found on the Calvert Nature Society website. before requesting the qualification. This will give you a chance to see what the project is all about and the trails we will be hiking. 

Other Skills and Knowledge

• Need their own reliable transportation
• Be able to hike 8 miles at a rigorous pace on varied terrain
• Able to identify local birds by sight and song (helpful)

Project Dates

Late April- Early May: Possible trail clearing days and net setup day

Late May- Early August: There will be 8 banding days from sunrise till about 11:30am

Calvert Stewards must arrive at the beginning of the banding day but may leave earlier if needed.