Bird Banding

An experienced bird bander carefully examines a songbird. She blows on its belly to look for a brood patch, determine its sex and locate fat deposits.

NPS Photo by Linda Powell 2020

Bird Banding Demonstration

Partner with Crater Lake National Park
and Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO)

This collaborative bird monitoring effort is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of birds and their ecology, experience the collection of data for long-term conservation monitoring, ask questions about bird banding, and see birds up close.

For five years visitors have observed the banding process from which Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) gain valuable information about the presence and diversity of songbird species, timing of migration, and productivity of local breeding birds.

Trained biologists and an experienced park ranger will show you the bird banding and data collection procedures, including how a bird species is identified along with its weight, sex, identity, wing molt, age, and health.


Nowhere else in Oregon is there a banding site at this elevation and habitat, providing this valuable visitor experience and research opportunity.

 

A Klamath Bird Observatory biologist holds an evening grosbeak moments before releasing it back into its natural habitat.

Photo Courtesy of Claire Stuyck of Klamath Bird Observatory

What You Need to Know

The program takes place rain or shine. Any cancellations due to weather or smoke will be determined at the meeting site. Check the latest park forecast with the National Weather Service.

• Bird activity depends on factors such as temperature and the season. There is no guarantee that birds will be caught during a program.
• Registration is required. The maximum number of participants per program is 20. See Schedule below
• All programs are 60 to 75 minutes long and occur twice each morning on the scheduled Tuesdays. Particpants must commit to the full program time.
• Participation in the program is free! All visitors must provide a pass or pay the appropriate entrance fee upon entering the park.
• Walking over uneven and sometimes wet ground is required to reach the banding station.
• No pets are allowed on this program.
• Vehicles will be parked and unattended at a designated location.

 

How to Register

1. Review the schedule and select a date/time and a backup date/time in case your first choice is full.
2. Register for your chosen date/time by clicking the registration link below and sending an email request. Include in the email:

• Your name and email contact info
• the number of adults and children who will participate in the program.
• First choice of date and time.
• Second choice of date and time

Once your registration is received, a ranger will send you a confirmation email with additional information on how to prepare, where to meet, and what to expect. Confirmation emails are typically sent within 24 hrs but no later than three days. If you do not receive confirmation, resend the registration.

If you are in the park and registering the day before a banding demonstration, you may wait for confirmation or see a park ranger in the visitor center but please register to reserve your spot.

REGISTER HERE

Click above to submit your registration request for Birdbanding with Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Bird Observatory. You will receive confirmation or notice of rejection due to to a full program.

Bird Banding Demonstration Schedule

Banding Date	Time	Sunrise
Tues, July 5	7:30	5:41
	9:15
Tues, july 12	7:30	5:45
	9:15
Tues, July 26	7:30	5:48
	9:15
Tues, Aug 9	7:30	6:12
	9:15
Tues, Aug 16	7:30	6:20
	9:15
Tues, Aug 23	7:30	6:27
	9:15
Tues Aug 30	7:30	6:35
	9:15
Tues, Sept 6	8:15	6:42
	10:00
Tues, Sept 13	8:15	6:49
	10:00
Tues, Sept 20	8:15	6:56
	10:00
Tues, Sept 27	8:15	7:04
	10:00 FULL
Tues, Oct 4	8:15	7:12
	10:00 FULL

 

Visit Klamathbird.org for public banding locations and times outside of the park.