A Wilson’s Warbler is one of several species often banded during the bird banding project at Bandelier. Courtesy/NPS
An intern from Mexico examines a bird to gather information on its age and health at Bandelier. Courtesy/NPS
NPS News:
Do you wake up in the summer to an American Robin singing its beautiful, but sometimes annoying song, outside your bedroom window? Do you hang a hummingbird feeder in your yard to attract those colorful hovering artists?
If you interact with birds in anyway any day, you may want to know how our feathered friends are doing in the world. For almost two decades Bandelier has participated in a multinational program, the goal of which is to determine the answer to that very question.
Now we are inviting the public to see the work in progress as we band birds to learn more about them, their migration, and their health.
Bandelier will begin offering ranger-led visits to our fall bird banding site just in time for fall migration to begin.
Birds are on the move, stocking up on food and energy resources before making their journey south for the winter. Bandelier’s location along the southern end of the Rocky Mountains means it is a major flyway for birds along their migration routes, and the rich habitat located in the park makes Bandelier a great site for studying birds.
Researchers at Bandelier have been collecting migratory bird data for 18 years and are excited to share the project with the general public.
Meet a ranger at the Alamo Boundary trailhead for a chance to visit the bird banding station:
- 7:30 a.m., Friday Aug. 13
- 7:30 a.m., Friday Aug. 27
- 7:30 a.m., Friday Sept. 10
- 7:30 a.m., Friday Sept. 24
- 8 a.m., Friday Oct. 8
During these bird banding events, learn more about the research being done at Bandelier, and maybe even meet a bird in person. The site is also a great place to see fall colors and hear elk bugling.
Times are subject to change due to weather. Call the visitor center at 505.672.3861 x 0 for details.
Park entrance fees are $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per bicycle/individual. All entrance passes are valid for 7 days. Camping fees are not included in entrance fees. America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted for entrance fees.
The full suite of America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes as well as Bandelier Annual passes are available for purchase at the visitor center. For more information about types of passes and prices, visit: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.
Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The park visitor center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The park store operated by Western National Parks Association is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and the café is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.
