Duck Banding
Prairie Science Class students are official members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's duck banding crew. Each year, students work in small groups to band mallard ducks and record data on the ducks' age, weight, bill length, tarsus length, wing length, gender, and other characteristics. Prior to the banding, the students learn about duck migration, habitat requirements, and ducks' role in the prairie wetlands ecosystem. They also learn why banding is conducted and how the information collected helps manage wildlife populations.
Last updated:
December 3, 2008
