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.

Who are the main researchers involved in the loon banding project?

What is the purpose of banding common loons?

How does bird banding help in understanding loon populations?

What challenges do common loons face in Montana?

Describe the collaboration between Glacier National Park and the state of Montana.

How long can common loons live, and how does this compare to other birds?

What is the significance of the number of chicks produced by common loons?

What are the key factors that affect the survival of adult loons?

What methods are used to capture loons for banding?

What information is gathered from the feathers of the loons?