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 for 2024
November 26 – Vireos, Flycatchers and more!
7 p.m. – Virtual
There are many groups of songbirds. We will learn to identify some of the lesser-known groups. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
December 17 – Colour abnormalities in birds
7 p.m. – Virtual
Join this workshop to learn about colour in bird feathers and how sometimes things go awry. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
A Year of Learning Birds for 2025
January 21 – Brokenhead Wetland
7 p.m. – Virtual
Learn about this fascinating wetland with its unique plants and some of the birds you can find there. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected]to register.
February 18 – Owls of Manitoba
7 p.m. – Virtual
Join us as we explore the owls of Manitoba. Learn to recognize all 12 species that call Manitoba home. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
March 18 – Bird Anatomy
7 p.m. – Virtual
Have you ever wondered what makes a bird a bird? The workshop will discuss the many unique features of birds. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
April 15 – Introduction to Songbird Banding
7 p.m. – Virtual
This workshop will introduce you to the banding process and the basics of ageing and sexing birds. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
May 17 – 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.
May 22/23/24/25 – 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 register.
June 7 – 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 14 to October 4 – 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 register.
July 27 – Learn to Band Birds Workshop (Banding Birds)
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.
July 30 – 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. Please email [email protected] to register.
August 19 – Gulls
7 p.m. – Virtual
Gulls are some of the trickiest birds to identify. This workshop is designed to give you tips and tricks to make it easier. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
September 16 – Migration Patterns
7 p.m. – Virtual
You often hear that birds have shown up late or early. Migration is fairly predictable. Learn about what species show up when. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
October 5 – 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 21 – How We Track Birds
7 p.m. – Virtual
Learn why we mark birds, the methods used, and some amazing migration journeys discovered through this research. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
November 18 – Birding Through Your Kitchen Window
7 p.m. – Virtual
What birds visit backyards? What do they eat? What should you feed them? What books should you have? Do you need binoculars? Find out the answers at this workshop. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
December 16 – Caribbean Birds
7 p.m. – Virtual
Are you a snowbird? Have you ever wondered what those birds are around your resort? Join us as we explore some of the birds that call the Caribbean home. Workshop is free. Please email [email protected] to register.
Click here for the 2025 workshop list in pdf format.
Please see the website for more information about Oak Hammock Marsh.