Drop-In Bird Banding Observation

6:30 am - 11:00 AM

Stop by the Albany Pine Bush to see wild birds up close as Albany Pine Bush Preserve scientists capture them and fit them with uniquely coded leg-bands.

Bands are provided by the US Geological Survey to licensed bird banders so scientists can identify individuals; this allows us to study how long birds live, where they breed, and when and where they migrate. While in-hand, banders carefully take measurements that can indicate a bird’s health, age, and breeding condition.

We and the USGS use this information to evaluate the health of bird populations and the habitats they rely on during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Tracking the distribution and abundance of species that depend on our fire-dependent inland pitch pine–scrub oak barrens can also help guide the management and restoration of this globally rare habitat.

Trailhead #1 Karner Barrens

• From NYS I-90: Take I-90 (East or West) to I-87 (Northway) North.
• From I-87: Take exit 2W (Rt 5 West, Central Ave). Follow Rt 5 for 2 miles then turn left onto Rt 155 (New Karner Rd). Continue on Rt 155 for about 1.2 miles.
• The Discovery Center is located on the left at 195 New Karner Road. The trailhead is at the rear of the building.