Evan Dalton

Director of Landbird Conservation

Maybe it’s the rattle of the Belted Kingfisher off the bluff, the plaintive calls of the spring peepers in the bogs, or maybe it’s the fact that it just became April – then May –  seemingly out of nowhere. No matter how you slice it, spring is here—and with it comes the return of one of Manomet Conservation Sciences’ most exciting traditions: spring bird banding!

This spring, we’re thrilled to kick off the season by welcoming back some familiar faces—and introducing new ones—to the Trevor Lloyd-Evans Bird Banding Lab. This talented crew will not only spend their days carefully capturing and studying migrating songbirds, but they’ll also play a key role in Manomet’s education programs, inspiring students and visitors with the wonder of migration and conservation science.

Meet the 2025 Spring Banding Team

Sarah Duff – Lead Bander

A Manomet intern back in 2017, Sarah has since traveled far and wide—banding birds in Alaska and even on the island of Rota! Sarah’s experience and steady hand in the field, paired with her creative spirit as a crafter and artist (and a lover of all things thrift store!), make her a true asset to the team

Amy Hogan – Bird Bander

Amy, another Manomet alum, brings a deep knowledge of bird banding from across the Midwest, Sierra Nevada, and the United Kingdom. Originally from Michigan, Amy’s keen eye and patient mentorship make her a perfect guide for our new interns.

Grace Whitten – Banding Intern

Hailing from Indianapolis, Grace brings incredible field experience, having worked with songbirds in Wisconsin and studied endangered species like the Whooping Crane and Kirtland’s Warbler. Her passion for conservation and fieldwork will be a great addition to the lab.

Michelle Winfield – Banding Intern

Michelle joins us from central Oregon, where she’s been sharing her love of science as a substitute teacher. She’s previously researched how Black-capped Chickadees and Zebra Finches respond to human-made noise—skills that bring a unique perspective to our team.

Why Bird Banding Matters

At Manomet’s Trevor Lloyd-Evans Bird Banding Lab, bird banding isn’t just about identifying and recording species—it’s about long-term research that helps scientists understand changes in bird populations over time. As birds make their incredible journeys northward each spring, our banders carefully collect vital data on their health, numbers, and movements. This information helps detect changes in ecosystems, track migration patterns, and guide conservation action across the Western Hemisphere.

Every bird banded represents another data point in a story that’s been unfolding at Manomet for more than 50 years—making our lab one of the longest-running bird banding operations in North America.

Education in Action

Beyond the mist nets and data sheets, our banding crew also plays a vital role in education and outreach. Throughout the season, Sarah, Amy, Grace, and Michelle will work closely with Evan Dalton, Director of Landbird Conservation, and the Environmental Education and Outreach team to welcome school groups, visitors, and community members, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

We’re incredibly excited to have such a passionate and talented team leading the way this spring. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a budding naturalist, or just someone who loves a good kingfisher rattle from the bluff, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating this season of renewal, discovery, and conservation! Welcome, spring—and welcome to the 2025 bird banding crew!

Support the Future of Bird Banding: Adopt a Mist Net!

If you’re inspired by the incredible work of our banding team, you can directly support their efforts by adopting a mist net! Mist nets are the essential tools that allow us to safely capture and study birds during migration. When you adopt a net, you’re helping cover the cost of equipment, research, and training the next generation of conservationists. Plus, you’ll receive updates from the field and be part of the amazing discoveries made right here at Manomet’s Trevor Lloyd-Evans Bird Banding Lab.

Learn more and adopt a net today: manomet.org/adopt-a-net