CT Audubon, Birdcraft: Bird Banding Demonstration

Come see community science in action! Since the 1970s, Birdcraft has operated as a federally licensed bird banding station where volunteers, licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have captured and documented more than 18,000 birds. The process enables researchers to track and study individual birds, and collect valuable data on migration patterns, behavior, lifespan, and reproductive success–all crucial information for understanding bird populations and guiding conservation efforts.

At this demonstration, Master Bird Bander Judy Richardson and her team will offer a fascinating, up-close view. Watch as birds are gently captured in the Birdcraft Sanctuary, their measurements are recorded, and they are fitted with an identification band before being released back into the wild, unharmed. You’ll learn about the history of bird banding, see how banders identify birds, take a tour of our sanctuary and see some birds up close! Participants may get to release a bird too!