The Finger Lakes Bird Observatory, led by Max "Hummingbird" Baber, will be banding birds at two Ithaca sites this summer: Lighthouse Point and Lindsay-Parsons. Members of the public are invited to observe our beautiful birds up close and to learn about the bird banding process.
Banding sessions are scheduled on most Thursdays and Sundays in June and July (plus August 2). See the calendar below for specific schedule. Each sessions last for 6 hours from sunrise. Stop by anytime after the first net check 30 minutes after sunrise. Generally speaking, the earlier the better. Sessions may be shortened or cancelled from rain, heavy wind, or other conditions that may jeopardize the safety of the birds.
Park at Newman Municipal Golf Course (from highway 13 turn west on Willow Avenue, at the T turn left and drive to the golf course parking lot). From there, walk 0.4 miles north along the inlet, go behind the utility building to the banding station.
Cormorant nests above Lighthouse Point
Head south on highway 34. When you see the green "West Danby" sign, go another 0.8 miles and turn left to the parking area. Do NOT take the main trail to the north; instead, go to the middle of the parking lot and find a trail heading east.
Banding station at Lindsay-Parsons