The year 2000 was the 100th anniversary of scientific bird banding in the United States, but European ornithologists were several years ahead of their American counterparts in discovering the usefulness of bird banding. In A Bird in the Hand, master bander Bill Hilton Jr. of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History describes why banding is perhaps the single most important tool in understanding wild birds, especially with regard to migration, longevity, site fidelity, and population dynamics. Along with basic information about what to do if you find a banded bird, Hilton also discusses some of the amazing facts he's learned about nearly 52,000 birds he has personally banded at Hilton Pond since 1982.

(Photo © Hilton Pond Center) Modern Hummingbird Banding Tools

Back to Top of Page

---

51,882 and Counting:
27 Years of Banding Birds at Hilton Pond

In 27 Years of Banding Birds at Hilton Pond, master bander and educator-naturalist Bill Hilton Jr. talks about some of nearly 52,000 birds of 124 species he has captured and studied--including more than 3,800 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Hilton's primary research site is near York SC at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History, a non-profit education and research organization described in detail at www.hiltonpond.org. Illustrated by breath-taking photos of hand-held birds, Hilton's informative and entertaining presentation will please experienced birders and novices alike.

(Photo © Hilton Pond Center) Green Heron (adult)

Back to Top of Page