TOWNSEND, TN -- If you are interested in leaning about birds in the Smoky Mountains, Tiffany Beachy, citizen science coordinator at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, invites the public to visit the Institute during one of the four remaining bird banding days this season.

Bird banding is one of a number of citizen science projects carried on at Tremont Institute each year. Tremont uses citizen science‹the involvement of non-scientists in scientific research‹as an important tool to connect people with nature. Through this program, students as well as other volunteers have the chance to contribute to the scientific research conducted within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

"Our bird banding citizen science research furthers our understanding of birds and their habitat in the Smokies," said Beachy, "We look at the potential impacts of the decline of Eastern Hemlocks on a warbler called the Louisiana Waterthrush. These are the only obligate riparian songbirds in this part of the country, which means they require rivers and streams to breed and forage. Many of our hemlocks are along streams, so we're investigating whether the decline of this tree species due to the exotic Hemlock Wooly Adelgid beetle is having an impact on breeding populations of Louisiana Waterthrush."

"In addition to banding waterthrush, we band all other species that we catch as part of a nationwide program called Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS)," Beachy continued. "We catch, mark, and release birds during the breeding season to obtain information about how long birds live, how many young they are producing, and how often they return to the same nesting area. This information aids park staff in making the best possible decisions regarding management of the diverse habitats."

Bird banding at Tremont is an opportunity for bird enthusiasts to view some of the area's most popular birds up close. Visitors to the banding station often get to learn how to hold and release wild birds.

Each banding day starting just before sunrise, Beachy and her team erect nets to catch the birds. During the ensuing six hours, they check the nets every 30-40 minutes and extract birds to bring them back to the banding station for assessment. First, each bird is given a metal band; then, the team takes detailed notes about the bird's wing cord, mass, age and gender. Each band has a unique number, which is registered with the Federal Bird Banding Laboratory in Maryland. If a bird is ever captured again, or if it is found dead, it is hoped that the finder will report the bird's status and band number to the laboratory, so that they, in turn, can notify the originator of the band. These Œrecaptures' are a great way for biologists to learn about the seasonal movements and habitat use of our migratory birds.

Remaining 2014 Bird Banding dates at Friday, June 20; Wednesday, July 9; Tuesday, July 29; Wednesday, August 6.

Bird banding sessions typically last 5-6 hours beginning with set-up a half hour before sunrise. Participants do not have to attend the entire session. Dress should be weather-appropriate. Participants should bring snacks, plenty of water and rain gear in case of sudden showers. There can be bugs, poison ivy or an occasional stream to cross, so participants should be prepared for all these situations.

Bird banding days are open to the public and free of charge. To attend, come to Tremont on one of the dates listed above and follow signage to the bird banding station. Beachy and her crew will instruct attendees from there.

Tremont is located at 9275 Tremont Rd, Townsend, TN 37882. For more information, call (865) 448-6709.