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

About the 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.
• Photos may not be taken during the program.

About the Experience

• Bird activity depends on factors such as temperature and the season. There is no guarantee that birds will be caught during a program.
• 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.
• No pets are allowed on this program.
• Walking over uneven and sometimes wet ground is required to reach the banding station.
• Mosquitos may be active.
• Restroom facilities are not available at this location.

 

All Attendees Must Register in Advance

The 2023 dates for birdbanding with Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Bird Observatory are the following:

2023 Bird Banding
Demonstration Schedule

Banding Date	Time	Sunrise
Tues, August 1	7:30 am	5:59
	9:15 am
Tues, August 15	7:30 am	6:14
	9:15 am
Tues, August 22	7:30 am	6:22
	9:15 am
Tues, August 29	7:30 am	6:29
	9:15 am
Tues, September 5	8:15 am	6:37
	10:00 am
Tues September 12	8:15 am	6:44
	10:00 am
Tues, September 19	8:15 am	6:52
	10:00 am
Tues, September 26	8:15 am	7:00
	10:00 am
Tues, October 3	8:15 am	7:07
	10:00 am
Tues, October 10	8:15 am	7:16
	10:00 am

This is 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. To register, call the park at 541-594-3100 no later than 5:00 pm the day before your selected date. OR, sign up at Rim Visitor Center 9:30 am to 5:00 pm any day before the day of the banding demonstration which you want to attend. Be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name, email address, and phone number
• The number of adults and children who will participate in the program
• First choice of date and time

Once your registration is accepted, please review the What You Need to Know section above.

For Registered Participants Only
Please Meet the Ranger at this Location

The morning of your scheduled bird banding demonstration drive to the first pull-out 0.6 miles south of the blinking stop sign near park headquarters or 3.2 miles north of the Annie Springs Entrance Station. There will be orange caution cones and the ranger waiting at that location. Please be prompt.

 

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