YBC Field Trip: SFBBO Bird Banding Demo

Join the Young Birders Club as we take a behind-the-scenes tour of the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory's Coyote Creek Field Station (CCFS)! We will learn more about the work that SFBBO scientists have been doing for over 40 years conducting bird banding research on passerines, and understand why bird banding is so important for protecting birds and their habitats.

Young birders and their families can observe conservation science in action, tour a riparian restoration area, watch mist nets being used to catch birds, and get an up-close look at wild birds being banded. Participants should bring hats for the sun and shoes they can walk comfortably in. Binoculars and cameras are welcome.

Please arrive on time at the meeting place (which will be forwarded to you prier to the event) for a quick orientation before we caravan to the field station.

Due to the limited staff on site, we will not be able to offer any sort of early departures from the trip. If you will be going, plan to stay for the whole length of the event.

SFBBO is keeping an eye on bird flu, which mostly only occurs in waterfowl, domestic flocks, and raptors. However the SFBBO is still keeping an eye on things. Therefore there should be no risk for visitors as long as we sanitize our hands after handling the birds.

This trip is designed for young birders, but parents and siblings are welcome to attend. We welcome birders of all skill levels! Loaner binoculars are available for participants.

Trip Difficulty: 1 mile, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, little or no elevation gain, some shade

Leaders: Katie LaBarbera

Facilities: port a potty, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.

Banner Photo: Bewick's Wren by Molly Graham