Jamestown, N.Y. – You have two more opportunities this spring to join ornithologists at Audubon Community Nature Center to observe them banding birds.
On Saturday mornings May 8 and May 15, you can drop in any time between 7 and 11 a.m. to learn exactly how this is done and why.
The bird scientists capture migrating and resident birds in “mist” nets, so-called because they are so fine they are almost like mist.
You can watch how they fit them with identification bands, measure and weigh and then release them to go on with their lives. You might even be selected to help release a bird.
Come on your own or bring the kids with you to view this amazing process. If the weather is too harsh for the safety of the birds, the nets will not be open and an alternate date will be chosen.
You may want to bring bird guides and binoculars if you have them. Remember to dress for the weather and bring face coverings. Plan to listen closely to the scientists and follow their instructions carefully, as safety of the birds is the priority.
Come to the picnic pavilion on the west side of the Audubon property at 1600 Riverside Road, just east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Look for a “Bird Banding” sign at the entrance closer to Route 62. Drive in and park on the grass along the edge of the trees. Or park at the Nature Center parking lot and walk to trail over to the banding site, especially if it has been raining.
Bird banders Emily Thomas Perlock, Dr. Scott Stoleson, Don Watts, and Terry LeBaron bring extensive experience and expertise to their tasks.
Audubon offers these demonstrations to the public free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. No reservations are required. No dogs please.
You can also enjoy Audubon’s six miles of trails on the 600-acre nature preserve from dawn to dusk daily.
The Nature Center building includes the Blue Heron Gift Shop, live animals, and the winning photographs from the 2020 Nature Photography Contest. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is by donation only.
To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, visit AudubonCNC.org, or find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook.
Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.
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