Cape May Warbler banded at the Cape Florida Banding Station, shortly before being released to the wild. Photo by Roxanne Featherly
NOTE: THIS TRIP IS FULL. TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL PHOEBESBIRDING@GMAIL.COM. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IN THE EMAIL.
Join us as we get behind the scenes at the Cape Florida Banding Station (CFBS) at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. The restored tropical hardwood hammock in the park is a critical stopover point for migrating birds in the spring and fall. The biologists and volunteers that run the bird banding research here are welcoming us into their study site so we can witness and learn all about their fascinating work. The station is one of the longest-running community science projects in South Florida and was cofounded and now overseen by Michelle Davis, one of our most active Phoebes.
This is an incredible opportunity to learn about migrating birds, how and why they are banded, what the data collected means, and to see birds up close and personal. The data amassed by CFBS for over two decades has shown some interesting trends and helps us understand how bird populations change over time. Are Black-throated Blue Warblers increasing in population? What are the most common bird migrants in Miami? Have any of the birds banded here been re-captured in other countries? We will get to see how birds are identified to species and gender, gently handled, promptly measured, banded with federal leg bands, and then released unharmed.
WHAT: Private event for women interested in learning about bird migration, bird banding, and biological research in the field.
WHEN: Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 8 AM to 10 AM
WHERE: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. 1200 South Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne (Miami), Florida. Meet in the No Name Harbor parking lot.
What to Pack: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear and binoculars. (If you don’t have binoculars, Tropical Audubon Society will be providing optics on a first-come, first-served basis.)
RESERVATION REQUIRED: There is a limit of 15 participants for this event. Please Email Michelle Davis at hello@phoebesbirding.com to reserve your spot. Please keep in mind that there is an $8 entrance fee per vehicle to enter the State Park.
BONUS: Stick around after the banding station visit for some birding in the park!
QUESTIONS? Email Michelle Davis at hello@phoebesbirding.com