Glacier National Park - Science Friday - Loon Banding - Audio Described

In this episode of Science Friday, the host visits Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to learn about a collaborative project on banding common loons. The project aims to track and understand loon populations better. The host meets with wildlife biologists Jamie Belt and Chris Hammond, who explain the importance of bird banding for conservation. They discuss the challenges loons face and the methods used to capture and band them. The episode concludes with a fieldwork demonstration of loon banding and data collection techniques.

What is the main purpose of the Science Friday episode in Montana?

• To learn about the banding of common loons

• To interview local artists

• To explore the history of Montana

• To discuss fishing techniques

What is bird banding primarily used for?

• To decorate birds

• To train birds for shows

• To feed birds

• To identify individual birds for tracking

Why are common loons considered a species of special concern in Montana?

• They are not native to Montana

• Their population requires constant management

• Their population is rapidly increasing

• They are a new species in the area

How long can common loons live?

• 5-10 years

• Over 30 years

• 1-2 years

• 15-20 years

What is a unique characteristic of common loons compared to other birds like mallards or geese?

• They live a very short time

• They have one to two chicks per year

• They are primarily land birds

• They have many chicks per year

What method is used to capture loons during the day?

• Using bird cages

• Using fishing nets

• Using decoys and calls

• Using a spotlight

How do researchers capture loons at night?

• By setting traps on land

• By calling them with whistles

• By using a spotlight and mimicking calls

• By using fishing rods

What information can be obtained from loon feathers?

• The bird's diet

• The bird's migration pattern

• The bird's age

• The mercury level when the feather was grown

What is the purpose of drawing blood from the loons?

• To check for diseases

• To determine short-term mercury levels

• To identify the bird's species

• To measure the bird's strength

What is the final step in the loon banding process?

• Weighing the loon

• Releasing the loon back into the wild

• Taking a photograph of the loon

• Feeding the loon