Community Engagement

 
The Delta Marsh Bird Observatory provides opportunities for community engagement and education about birds and bird banding.
 
  • Volunteer Training:
    • Bird banding sessions.
    • Open for volunteers to learn and participate.
    • Runs five days a week from mid-July to the end of September.
  • Drop-in Visits:
    • Visitors are welcome to observe banding activities and learn about the process firsthand.
    • Runs five days a week from mid-July to the end of September.
  • Workshops:
    • Designed for those interested in learning more about birds and bird banding.
    • Workshop details are listed below.
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Delta Marsh Bird Observatory offre des possibilités d’engagement communautaire et d’éducation sur les oiseaux et le baguage des oiseaux.
Activités de sensibilisation :
  • Formation des bénévoles :
    • Sessions de baguage d’oiseaux.
    • Ouvertes aux bénévoles pour apprendre et participer.
    • Cinq jours par semaine de la mi-juillet à la fin septembre.
  • Visites libres :
    • Les visiteurs sont invités à observer le baguage des oiseaux et à s’informer directement sur le processus.
    • Cinq jours par semaine, de la mi-juillet à la fin septembre.
  • Ateliers :
    • Conçus pour ceux qui souhaitent en savoir plus sur les oiseaux et le baguage des oiseaux.
    • Les détails des ateliers sont énumérés ci-dessous (Workshops delivered in English only).

Delta Marsh Bird Observatory presents:

December 17, 2024– 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.