Bird ringing in East Atlantic Flyway
Dembo Jatta, one of the East Atlantic Flyway Youth Ambassadors and a member of Migratory Birds for People (MBP) in West Africa, recently led a bird ringing demonstration at the Kartong Bird Observatory (KBO) in The Gambia. Situated along the Atlantic coast near the Gambia-Senegal border, KBO is a key research center focus on studying migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway of the Gambia. This observatory, set within an Important Bird Area (IBA), supports a range of natural habitats including mangrove forests, tidal estuaries, sandy beaches, and dry Acacia scrub, alongside human-influenced landscapes like old sand mining quarries, wetlands and farmland. The diverse habitats make Kartong important for the study for resident and migratory bird species that migrate through this route.
The recent demonstration attracted students from the University of The Gambia, as well as volunteers and interns from local conservation groups including the GREAT Institute, Gambia Marine and Environmental Conservation Initiative and the Gunjur Conservation and Ecotourism Association. Participants were shown by KBO trainers, certified by the British Trust for Ornithology, how to catch and handle birds, place identification rings on them, and record biometrics data. While the primary goal was to demonstrate tracking techniques, the session also highlighted the broader role of birds in ecosystems and the importance of local conservation efforts. These expose the attendees to how local efforts contribute to the larger conservation efforts globally.
The event highlights that bird ringing is not only about data collection but also about building awareness and community engagement in conservation. For many of the students, this experience was a personal introduction to the importance of protecting habitats that support both migratory and resident species. It shows them first hand the interconnectedness of wildlife, their habitats and human communities.