2025 Eastern Bird Banding Conference at Kiawah Island

Aaron Given holds a Common Yellowthroat 

The Eastern Bird Banding Association (EBBA) encourages investigation into the biology and migration of birds through banding. The Town of Kiawah Island is home to one such bird banding station run by biologist Aaron Given for the past sixteen years. In most cases, banders are placing tiny leg bands on small migratory songbirds, which requires up close hands-on work with attention to detail. It is science, but with daily repetitions during a months-long migratory window in Spring or Fall, it is also an art form. If modern day bird populations modulate either up or down, then their century of bird banding data can help define those trends.

 Given serves EBBA as their First Vice President and helped to plan their 2025 annual conference at Kiawah, and the last time EBBA met in Charleston it was back in 1971. “The 2025 conference gives Southeastern bird banders a great opportunity to attend this annual meeting, which normally meets in the Northeast,” said Given. “The meeting begins on Friday February 28 with an EBBA Council meeting at the Kiawah Town Hall, and then check-in and workshops are available for attendees all day. Our Friday night keynote speakers will address red knot shorebirds during an oyster roast and welcome supper at Mingo Point.”

To view the feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on ACE Basin Refuge -  2025 SE Wildlife Expo - S.C. Master Naturalist - CHS Outdoor Adventures - CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  Beidler BioBlitz