Join us at the Masonville Cove Bird Banding Station to learn about how Baltimore’s greenspaces support local birdlife and how scientists employ bird banding to study ecology—regionally and beyond.
At our station, the southbound fall migration is busier and sees a more diverse cast of species than spring; more than a dozen species of sparrow, two dozen species of warbler, along with thrushes, tanagers, buntings, and grosbeaks, are all among the myriad possibilities. Attendees will learn how our banders of capturing and process this great diversity birds, have the chance to observe—up-close—how they discern age, sex, and other demographic details of the banded individuals.
The distance from the work table to the furthest net and back is about a mile; most of the walking is on a fairly level, rock-and-gravel path. We recommend sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Attendees don’t have to walk out to the nets and back if the distance is a challenge. Benches and a few folding chairs are available around the worktable, and people are welcome to wait there.
Now in its fourth year, the Masonville Cove Bird Banding Station is run by Birds of Urban Baltimore in partnership with the Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Please note that while this tour is free for qualifying groups, we appreciate your donation to help cover our administrative costs.
- We’ll include our meeting location in your registration confirmation email once payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up without an invitation, you will not be allowed to participate.
- Middle school-aged children are welcome to attend and must be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, and bug spray, depending on the season.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- No pets, please.
All events are held rain or shine. If severe weather cancels an event, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless NHSM cancels them. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
NHSM Membership has its perks. Starting now, members on any program waitlist will move to the front of the line if an opening occurs. Get a membership, get priority. Click here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership/.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Registration
Levels:-
Education for All: $0
Please consider clicking the donation tab at check out to help cover our administrative fees in offering this trip to you. -
NHSM Member Donation Level 1: $5
Thank you for donating toward our adminstration fees. -
NHSM Member Donation Level 2: $10
Thank you for your contribution to cover our administrative costs for this program. Your donation offsets those who choose not to donate at this time. -
Non Member Donation: $12
Thank you for supporting our programs with your donation.