Fontenelle Nature Association

Bird Banding

Click here to find our next banding program!
Admission is free with FNA membership or general admission.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to stop by to see these amazing birds up close and learn about the banding process.

Bird banding is a research process that allows scientists to study bird populations throughout North America. It involves the temporary capture of birds using special mist nets. These nets are stretched out between two poles and gently capture birds that fly into them. The birds are removed, identified, aged, and sexed. Before a bird is released, a small metal band is carefully placed on its foot. The band's number identifies that bird to anyone who might encounter the bird in the future. The bird is then released back into the wild.

Through banding, we have learned valuable information about migration patterns, the longevity of birds, and population trends. Efforts such as this provide glimpses into the world of birds that would otherwise be impossible.

Beginning in 1996, bird banding has been a regular occurrence at Fontenelle Nature Association. An average day may result in the banding of 30 to 60 birds, with black-capped chickadees and dark-eyed juncos being most common. Others that have been captured include red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, blue jays, tufted titmice, white- and red-breasted nuthatches and American goldfinches. cc