Delta Marsh Bird Observatory offers training opportunities for volunteers through daily banding and through workshops like the following.
Delta Marsh Bird Observatory presents:
A Year of Learning Birds
2023
January 24 – Birding by Impression
7 p.m. – Virtual
Have you ever heard someone call out there’s a “so-and-so bird” and wondered how they knew that? This workshop will offer a different approach to looking at birds. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
February 14 – Bird Love
7 p.m. – Virtual
Join us as we explore the fascinating courtship rituals of different birds. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
March 14 – Warbler ID
7 p.m. – Virtual
Discover the many species of colourful warblers living in Manitoba. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
April 18 – Bird Nesting
7 p.m. – Virtual
You’ll be surprised by all the different types of bird nests. Learn the when, where, and how of bird nesting. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
May 13 – Learn about Banding Birds Workshop
8 a.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
This workshop will introduce you to the banding process, how to scribe, how to extract birds and practice ageing and sexing live birds. Workshop is $25. Please email [email protected] to register.
May 26/27/28 – Learn to Band Birds Course
7:00 a.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
This in-depth course will give you the basics of banding birds. Mornings will be spent banding and practicing your skills. Afternoons will be spent indoors learning to read Pyle and practicing ageing specimens. Snacks are included. Workshop is $300. Please email [email protected] to sign up.
May 22 – Delta Marsh Bird Observatory Great Canadian Bird-a-thon
9 a.m. – English Garden Entrance at Assiniboine Park (460 Assiniboine Park Dr)
Join us for a spring walk at the English Garden. This time of year is always exciting as many migrants are back and the trees are full of colours. This is the Observatory’s only fundraiser of the year so help us help the birds. Workshop is free but donations are greatly appreciated. Please email [email protected] to register.
June 4 – Beginning Birder Walk at Bunn’s Creek
9 a.m. – Bunn’s Creek Centennial Park (365 McIvor Ave)
Join us for a spring walk at Bunn’s Creek and see who might be back. This time of year is a great time to start learning birds in the field as most species are back and colourful. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
July 10 to October 1 – Volunteer at Delta Marsh Bird Observatory
6:30 a.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Fall banding starts up and it is a great way to practice what you have learned and to gain even more experience. Please email [email protected] to sign up.
July 15 – Bird Extraction
7:00 a.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Join our Bander-in-Charge and get in depth practice removing birds from the mist nets. Workshop is free. Previous volunteering is a prerequisite. Please email [email protected] to sign up.
August 19 – Birding Walk at Oak Hammock Marsh
7 a.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Join us for a fall walk at Oak Hammock Marsh. This time of year is always exciting as many migrants are moving south again. Please email [email protected] to register.
September 12 – Sparrow ID
7 p.m. – Virtual
Ever wonder what those little brown birds are? Learn to identify the sparrows that live in Manitoba in this one-hour workshop. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
October 1 – Volunteer Appreciation
1 p.m. – Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Thank you to all the volunteer who help make the banding possible. Please join us for a late lunch and a few surprises. Please email [email protected] to register.
October 17 – Shorebird ID
7 p.m. – Virtual
Discover the many different types of shorebirds found in Manitoba and learn to identify them. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
November 14 – Buying Binoculars
7 p.m. – Virtual
Are you interested in buying binoculars? Learn what you should look for and what questions to ask. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
December 12 – Raptor ID
7 p.m. – Virtual
Learn to identify the birds of prey that migrate through Manitoba in this one-hour workshop. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
Please see the website for more information about Oak Hammock Marsh.