Banding Workshop
2025 Bird Banding workshop

Field component - March 29th, 30th, and 31st
Join Rocky Point Bird Observatory for an exciting opportunity to learn the fundamentals of bird monitoring and banding in our comprehensive introductory course!
This year, the lecture component will be online, taking place March 22 and March 23, 2025.
Those who register for the full workshop will join us on March 28, 29, and 30 for an exciting opportunity to further develop ID skills with lab specimens and get hands-on experience conducting mist netting and bird banding with trained professionals. The field component will be held in Victoria, BC (location to be confirmed). Participants will also be able to learn about bird safety/ethics and data collection.
There will be a limit of 18 spots for the in-person field component, but we can welcome up to 40 registrants for the lecture component. A discount will be given to those taking both course portions. Discounted pricing will also be available to RPBO members and students.
The course is open to people with all levels of experience.
Why be a part of the online component of the 2025 Bird Banding Workshop?
Be a part of a program that has consistently exceeded expectations and delivered exceptional learning experiences.
The workshop provides a comprehensive learning experience that covers essential topics such as aging and sexing North American passerines using plumage analysis, molt patterns, and long-term population monitoring. As a participant, you will gain a deep understanding of these subjects from experienced experts.
Participating in this online workshop will give you a valuable understanding of the techniques used during our migration monitoring programs. This will open further opportunities to become a volunteer during the migration monitoring session, where you can begin to build your newly acquired skills under expert guidance.
This is your chance to actively contribute to avian conservation efforts on Vancouver Island and have the exciting opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and experienced experts.
Event Details - Online Lectures Only
Primary Instructor: Dr. Eric Demers, NABC certified Trainer and Master Bander
Online Lecture:
March 22, 2025
10:00 am-12:00 pm - Basics of Bird Ageing
12:00 pm-1:00 pm - Lunch Break
1:00 pm-3:00 pm- Basics of Bird Sexing and Advanced Bird Ageing
3:00 pm-4:00 pm - Guest Lecture
March 23, 2025
10:00 am-12:00 pm - Advanced Bird Ageing (continued) and Cycle-Based Ageing System
Register here for the online component only:
Field Sessions
Friday, March 28, 2025 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Bird handling techniques
- Net set up and take down tutorial
Saturday, March 29, 2025 6:00 am - 4:00 pm with lunch break
- Net set up / take down
- Extraction demo / training
- Banding demo / training
- Lab specimen ID workshop
- Owl banding demonstration
Sunday, March 30, 2025 - 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Net set up / take down
- Extraction demo / training
- Banding demo / training
- Lab Specimen ID Workshop