This is Birdnatch. During fall migration, this bird banding station, operated by the

Willis Town Conservation Trust, is in full swing. It's late September at the

Russian Woods Preserve on the outskirts of Philadelphia. Led by licensed bird

banders, a team of volunteers catches birds using mist nets. Eight-foot tall

nets made of fine nylon string that practically disappear when strung out

between poles. There are 15 set up around the nature preserve today in wooded

areas and along trails. This volunteer is gently untangling a gray cat

bird from the mist net. Each bird is put in a cloth bag and carried to the

banding station. A small covered wooden platform. There a bird bander fixes a

small metal band around its lake. The team measures different aspects of the

bird. When this cat bird is spotted in the wild or caught again at a banding

station, it gives researchers insight into the movements in lifespan of this

individual. Compiling records for many banding cat birds helps keep track of

the whole species. Newer technologies like GPS trackers make it easier to

precisely track birds around the world. But for a bird lover, banding offers a

unique thrill. Holding a wild bird like this fury in your hand, then feeling the

beats of its wings while it flutters away, all while contributing to community

science. For a bird note, I'm Allison Wilson.