Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshop
with Derek Matthews

This was an absolutely wonderful course that opened my eyes to the incredible knowledge that bird banders possess. I have already spoken to some of my friends about my experiences, and they are interested in possibly participating in this for themselves.  Any suggestions for marketing this class that I could possibly come up with, you have likely already heard of, but the most powerful advertisement is word of mouth. Thank you so much for your patience and introducing me to such a wonderful new world.  I’m truly grateful for the experience and I hope I have the chance to see you at Burnaby for some banding weekends - Thank you!" Erin O’Connor – BCIT Student

Date:  May 16 – 18  FULL June 20 - 22  FULL August 29 - 31 September 26 - 28 Click here for more workshop testimonials Location: Classroom sessions: Metro Vancouver/GVRD Central Area Headquarters - 9146 Avalon Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V3N 4G8 (off Cariboo Road on the East side of Burnaby Lake) Field sessions: Burnaby Lake Banding Station

The Burnaby Lake Avian Research Centre offers workshops, birding resources, and other special presentations for you to explore and learn more about the birds and habitats of the Vancouver Area.

The Banding Workshop is a 3 day action-packed introductory course consisting of presentations, specimen study, field mist-netting, banding, and processing under the direction of Derek Matthews, Master Bander and Bander-in-charge at the Burnaby Lake Avian Research Centre.

This workshop has been developed for people with little or no bird banding or bird in the hand experience and provides a fantastic opportunity to see birds up close and personal, to learn about their plumages, molt sequences, and life habits.

By participating in established banding programs, you can contribute in a direct way to their conservation. Imagine capturing a bird such as a Swainson’s Thrush or Wilson’s Warbler and knowing that it traveled to Latin America or Mexico and returned to the exact location where you banded it the previous year. Holding and releasing birds like this is a unique experience and one which lasts a lifetime. The experience gained and skills acquired from this course can be used for a variety of avian research and conservation projects including the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Program (MAPS) and the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN).

But most of all the workshop is designed to be a fun and interesting experience and a way to take your interest in birds and the environment to the next level.

The cost is $315 ($300 + GST) per participant with a $25 reduction for students - $288.75 ($275 + GST). All course material is provided. Space is limited, so please be sure to book early!

Things to bring and things to wear!

• Warm clothing for the field sessions
• Rubber boots – this is a must as the banding site is located along the marsh edge
  at Burnaby Lake and trails can be under water especially during spring run off
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Water / snacks for the field sessions

Course Schedule:

To register for the workshop please complete and return the

 

Above all else the well being of every bird is the top priority at all times!