Rare and sensitive species of songbirds such as Swainson’s thrush or yellow warbler are vulnerable to environmental changes, both within Yosemite and beyond. Early research shows that songbirds have declined in Yosemite by approximately 19 percent during the past 20 years.
This program builds on two decades of existing data collected through bird banding, much of which has been funded by Yosemite Conservancy. This information provides clues for scientists as to why some populations are declining; for example, is it due to reproductive failures or high death rates?
In 2013, visitors and volunteers can share their love for songbirds by participating in bird-banding demonstrations, where they experience firsthand the joys releasing a delicate thrush or warbler back into the wild. Student interns also learn bird-banding skills and the importance of songbird conservation. Attending a bird-banding demonstration requires advanced notice. Five demonstrations take place between June 1 - August 1. Please contact Sarah Stock, at sarah_stock@nps.gov for more information.
Working together, partners and supporters can keep Yosemite’s meadows alive with these birds’ vibrant colors and sweet songs.
Partnering with Yosemite National Park, Institute for Bird Populations, U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory, and NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program for the Sierra Nevada Network.