Bird Banding with Bird Conservancy

 05/17/2025  |  07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
  Dixon Reservoir/Pineridge NA (FC)

Specialty Program - Mixed Ages

This privately-arranged activity with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) will offer a special opportunity to see resident and migratory birds up close and learn more about them. Spring migration offers a great opportunity to get a close-up look and learn about primarily neo-tropical migrants, i.e., songbirds. Attendees can learn fascinating facts about birds and view them "in-hand" as BCR staff take data and attach identifying leg bands to each bird, before releasing them back to the wild. This link to BCR's bird banding page contains information about their Pineridge banding station and the science behind bird banding: https://www.birdconservancy.org/what-we-do/education/bird-banding/ This bird checklist for the Dixon Res./Pineridge area was compiled by Fort Collins Audubon: https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/pineridge-natural-area.pdf Registration is required and space is limited to 15 participants. Please see specific details below about parking and accessing the station location. Please plan to be at the Banding Station by 7:30 am (start time of the program). You’ll need about 10 minutes to park and walk to the station, where you will be met by a greeter who will check you in for the 60-minute program. The Pineridge Banding Station is located within Pineridge Natural Area in Fort Collins. Parking closest to the Banding Station is at the Maxwell Natural Area parking lot (3502 CR 42C Fort Collins, CO). From there, access to the Station requires a short walk across the county road (using the marked crosswalk), then down and back up a small hill on a packed dirt trail. Look for a canopy tent, where the Station will be set up. Please note, this location is not easily wheelchair accessible as the trail is quite rough in places due to large rocks on the trail and the hill is fairly steep (though short). Bring along your water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, layers of clothing, etc., whatever you need to be comfortable outdoors for the duration of the program. Schedule is weather permitting. The Banding Station is closed during precipitation or high winds, and may close early during very hot weather and open later, if at all, when very cold. Additionally, the station will not be open if the Pineridge Natural Area is closed due to muddy conditions. Because weather conditions at the Station can change very quickly, you will not be notified if the Station cannot open or must close early. If you have any questions, or need any assistance please don't hesitate to reach out to BCR's lead bander Stephanie, at [email protected] or (970)-482-1707 x40 (office).

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Programs often have wait lists, so if plans change and you cannot attend, please click the "Remove" button to cancel your registration so others may attend. Thank you.

Debbie Eley, Resource Specialist

Loveland Open Lands & Trails

970.962.2725