Bird Banding Programs

Small Group Bird Banding Programs (must pre-register)

Come join our Hawk Ridge songbird banding team and experience the wonder of seeing wild birds up close! Whether you are an experienced birder, an avid citizen scientist, or simply curious about nature, Hawk Ridge can offer you an unforgettable opportunity to learn more about birds by going behind the scenes to see our songbird banding research station in action. Why do we band birds? What can we learn from studying birds in the hand? How can bird banding make us better birders, scientists, and stewards of nature? Learn all of this and more by visiting us during our summer MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding season! 

Bring water, snacks, insect repellent, and come dressed for the weather! If you are interested in checking the bird nets with our banders, be prepared to hike over muddy (muck boots often needed!) and uneven ground. This program is offered on selected Saturdays, with the Sunday date in parentheses being a weather back-up day in case there is rain or excess wind on Saturday. Dates include: June 21(22), July 5(6), July 12(13), July 26(27), and August 1(2) from 8 to 10 AM. Registration is limited to 8 people per session with no minimum number needed. Note that bird banding can be cancelled or rescheduled at any time due to rain or high winds. Make sure to include an email and cell/text contact so that we can inform you of any changes in plans for the program. 

Cost is $20 per member, student or Master Naturalist participant, and $30 for non-members. Register in advance via email: naturalist@hawkridge.org or via phone at 218-428-8722. Payment link will be emailed to you after registration is confirmed. Hope to see you this summer!