Bird Banding!

We were studying ornithology and wanted to experience some studies ourselves first hand. So, what could more exciting than to go along with Fish and Wildlife on a bird banding trip? Okay, you can probably think of several things... but it's sill exciting and we loved this field trip! The natural beauty of Sauvie Island enhanced the experience!

© LG 2011

When we first arrived, we learned about why Fish and Wildlife band birds and they shared all sorts of other good information and statistics.

© LG 2011

It was something to see how they (safely) trap the water fowl. The kids had a fun time watching the young gentleman try to catch the ducks. The ducks can be strategically evasive. :)

© LG 2011

Once the ducks are captured, they are escorted in a smaller cage to the shore for banding.

© LG 2011

There's something thrilling about being able to pet a wild animal (that is safe and won't bite). :)

© LG 2011

The kids got to see first hand how the banding is accomplished. They also got to learn about how to determine a young duck from and older one, and a local one from a visiting one. The young gentlemen did a great job explaining about the wing design as well.

© LG 2011

It's hard to see, but if you look almost directly above the boy in the white shirt, you'll see the duck flying in the air. The kids really enjoyed seeing it being released back into its habitat!

© LG 2011

There were many other animal wildlife to enjoy. Who could resist these young frogs? Beware that you may be subjected to puppy eyes and pleas to bring some cute young frogs home with you for nature studies if you go on this trip. 

© LG 2011

Toward the end, the kids were privileged with the experience of personally releasing the ducks back into their habitat. There weren't enough trapped water fowl for all of the kids to release them on this particular trip- so the older ones were aloud to.

This trip really was perfect along with our bird studies we did through Cornell University with their Project Feeder Watch program!

Important: Stroller friendly if you have a good one with big wheels. Not so wheelchair friendly.

Tips: 

The mosquitoes thrive in this area because of all of the water. Be prepared with repellant! 

There isn't really any shade so you may want to have sun screen handy, too.

It's hot out there during the summer! Take plenty of water.

It's muddy in some areas so you may want to wear rain boots.

Be prepared to do quite a bit of walking.
Bring rain boots/waiters because parts of the trip it are muddy.

Restrooms: There are some available on the way in/out of the entrance to the location. There is also an area for hosing off the mud from boots and shoes.

Extra: For nature lovers, you may see coyote and other water fowl you may see such as Blue Herons and Egrets.

Best Time of Year: This is only offered during the summer for a brief period of time.
Ages: All

Contact Info:
Oregon Fish and Wildlife Bird Banding
Brandon
503.947.6324