Suitable for all ages.

A look at bird-banding in action as part of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program, contributing to long-term bird population research. See wild birds up close and personal with NYS Museum Ornithologist and Curator of Birds and Mammals, Dr. Jeremy Kirchman and Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Conservation Director, Neil Gifford, as they capture and fit them with uniquely coded leg-bands. Bird bands are provided by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL)  and banding is conducted under state and federal permits.  These bands allow scientists to identify individuals; which helps us to study how long birds live, where they breed, and when and where they migrate. While in-hand, the banders carefully take measurements that can indicate a bird’s health, age, and breeding condition. Tracking the distribution and abundance of species that specialize on our fire-dependent inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens during the breeding season can also help guide the management and restoration of this globally rare habitat.

This program will take place at the Truax Trail Barrens (trailhead #12).

Click here to review our public program guidelines.