Songbird Banding Stations
Our songbird banding stations are open to the public in the summer! Join us to see some of Montana’s most beautiful animals while learning about scientific data collection, the importance of riparian habitat, bird behavior, and ecology. We regularly work with Montana Natural History Center campers, Montana Audubon groups, The Blackfoot Challenge and Clark Fork Watershed Education Program groups to provide a unique glimpse into the world of biology. Teachers and groups can contact us to set up a visit or get more information.
We love human visitors of all kinds- bring your kids, come with a friend, or stop by on your own! However, for the safety of the birds, we do not allow dogs/pets at the station.
2023 Bird Banding Schedule
A bander places a federally-issued aluminum band on the leg of a Gray Catbird. The band will not harm the bird, and it will remain on the bird's leg for the rest of its life!
We captured this bird at our Seeley Lake station in 2018. While Yellow-rumped Warblers occur across the entire North American continent, we typically see the Audubon's subspecies breeding in western Montana.
In this beautiful photo captured by Justin Griggs, a banded Black-capped Chickadee spreads its wings to fly away after the banding process. We love seeing each bird fly away unharmed as they return to their routines.