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

The Bird Monitoring and 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 Vancouver 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 $350 per participant with a $25 reduction for students - $325. 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/hiking boots - You will need to bring rubber/hiking boots for the Saturday and Sunday field sessions at Colony Farm where the grass is often quite wet especially early in the morning.

• Binoculars

• Camera

• Water / snacks for field sessions (Pizza is provided for the Friday evening session)

For location, full course schedule and dates – click here

To register for the workshop please complete and submit the