M.A.P.S.
Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship

The M.A.P.S. project was started in 1989 by the Institute for Bird Populations. M.A.P.S. - Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship is a constant effort banding project aimed at monitoring bird populations by gathering information about PRODUCTIVITY - the ability of individual bird species to reproduce and SURVIVORSHIP of adult birds from year to year. The intent is to not only document declines as they are occurring but to attribute whether the decline is the result of adults not returning back to their breeding sites or to adults not successfully producing young on their breeding territories.

At this point in time there are over 500 banding stations nationwide that are collecting data and submitting it to a central office in California where the data is then compiled and analyzed on a site specific and region by region basis.

In 1997, The Sharon Audubon Center collaborated with various National Audubon Society properties, with local chapters of National Audubon and with the Nature Conservancy to establish 7 banding stations located within the Northwest Corner of Connecticut and in nearby Dutchess County. These stations include two on the property of Sharon Audubon, one at Miles Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, two at the Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury, one in Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, and one at Buttercup Farm Sanctuary in Stamfordville NY. Most of our stations are located in forested habitats, with one in a riparian area and one on the edge of a beaver swamp.

Annually two interns are trained and hired to work at our 7 banding stations from May – August. Volunteers are always welcome to come and observe and to participate as much as possible. Training opportunities are also available for individuals looking for one day or week long workshops.

Please send your name and contact information to Laurie Fortin at scottandlaurie1@msn.com if you wish to receive our summer schedule or have questions about training opportunities.