Everyone is invited to participate in a live bird banding demonstration on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. in the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum. Part of “Taking Count: Minnesota’s Great Bird Count,” the event offers the chance to join in the live banding of birds and learn how to participate in taking count of Minnesota’s birds through the citizen science project, the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA) with Bonnie Sample, Minnesota Audubon BBA Coordinator. Everyone is invited to participate: those with a new interest in birds are welcome, as well as experienced birders, who will be teamed with those new to birding for the breeding bird count. This is a great family activity and a way to gain new friends while exploring Northfield’s natural areas!
“A mist net, tiny bracelets, and a gathering of birds (will) make for an adventurous evening ahead at Carleton College’s Cowling Arboretum,” says Arboretum Director Nancy Braker. Local certified bird bander, Dan Tallman has been banding birds for many years. His banding adventures include everything from Minnesota’s smallest nesting bird, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, to larger birds like hawks and owls. Dan’s live banding demonstration will provide an up close and personal experience with Minnesota birds, how they are captured and their data recorded, and how a band is placed on their leg before they are released back into the wild.
This event is sponsored by the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum. The Arboretum Office is located at 710 Three Oaks Drive in Northfield. For more information, contact Nancy Braker, Director of the Cowling Arboretum, at (507) 222-4543 or nbraker@carleton.edu.