For anyone looking to get up close and personal with our native feathered friends, look no further than our Rock Creek Confluence property this summer! We've partnered with the University of Montana's Bird Ecology Lab to have a bird banding station at the Confluence for a 10th year of science, community engagement and fun.
Each year, the UM Bird Ecology Lab sets up several stations in different valleys surrounding Missoula. Using a mist net and gentle hands, the researchers capture and then weigh, measure and band each bird, before releasing them unharmed. This data is invaluable for tracking bird health and population trends, especially this time of year when baby birds are fledging. And the best part about this unique, hands-on research is that it's open to the public!
Members of the public, of all ages, are invited to the research station on specific days throughout the summer. This season, you can join in on the following days:
No need to RSVP! Simply meet the researchers at the banding station at either 7:30am or 9:00am on any of the scheduled days. It's also possible to visit later in the morning, but birds are at their most active early in the day. Please note that bird banding days are weather-dependent, and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Participants should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather and the area's woodland riparian corridor. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, a camera, water, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, and bug repellant (there can be quite a few mosquitos!). For the safety of the birds, dogs are not allowed during banding sessions.
For more information, check out the UM Bird Ecology Lab's banding webpage. For current conditions or immedate questions, contact Boo Curry with the UM Bird Ecology Lab at 406-546-9052 or laurelann.curry@mso.umt.edu.
From Missoula, drive east on I-90 for 20 miles. Take Rock Creek exit 126 and turn right to cross the river. Directly across the river, turn left on Lazy Water Way. The east side Confluence trailhead parking lot will be to your left, down the hill. (View map of East Side Trailhead)
Park in the trailhead parking lot and walk through the gate. The banding station is an easy 15 minute walk along the old road and beside Clark Fork River (approximately a half-mile). You will cross through another gate, which will be opened before reaching the banding station.
Photos by Five Valleys staff
