Songbird Banding Workshop

See bird banding up close and find out how you can get involved in volunteering! Joppa Flats Education Center, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), operates a bird banding station on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge every spring and fall. The USFWS and Mass Audubon use data from the station to monitor species diversity, the movement of birds on the refuge, bird populations, and the impacts of climate change.

During the Thursday evening session in this two-day workshop, you'll learn the basics of bird banding and also about our community education and outreach. We will introduce you to strategies for identifying birds in the hand, and the many aids for aging and sexing these incredible animals.

On Saturday morning, you'll visit the banding station, where you'll observe the banding process and assist with data collection.

This two-part workshop is required for anyone interested in volunteer opportunities at the banding station, or in our bird banding education and interpretation program. Attendance at the workshop does not obligate you to become a volunteer.

This workshop is free for Mass Audubon members. If you are not yet a member, you can either pay the $70 fee for the workshop, or you can join Mass Audubon at the Family Membership level, and apply your membership to this workshop.

The Thursday evening portion of the workshop will take place online with Microsoft Teams.

The Saturday morning session will take place entirely outdoors at the banding station on Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Wear clothes and footwear appropriate for the weather and uneven terrain on narrow, wooded trails. Protect yourself from biting insects. We'll travel by Mass Audubon van from Joppa Flats to the banding station.