Bird Banding with the MAPS Team

Join DC Bird Alliance for a unique opportunity to observe bird banding at Patuxent River Park.

Participants will have the chance to observe trained researchers as they safely capture, study, measure, and release wild birds as part of ongoing conservation and research efforts. Along the way, we'll learn how bird banding helps scientists better understand migration, survival, habitat use, and population trends.

This session is part of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program, a continent-wide effort that helps researchers track the health of bird populations over time. By collecting standardized data year after year, MAPS provides valuable information used to guide conservation decisions and better understand how birds are responding to environmental change.

Because bird banding is a scientific research activity conducted under federal and state permits, attendance is intentionally limited to ensure a quality experience for participants and minimal disturbance to the research process.

• Closed-toe shoes or hiking footwear
• Long pants recommended
• Water and snacks
• Insect repellent (especially ticks)
• Sun protection for open areas before and after the program
• Weather-appropriate clothing

🐢 Pace: Slow, with periods of standing and observation

📏 Distance: Short walking distances, but travel occurs through natural habitat

🪨 Terrain: Uneven natural ground with exposed roots, leaf litter, muddy areas, fallen branches, and no established trails

⛰ Elevation: Minor changes in elevation; uneven footing throughout

🪑 Rest Areas: Limited or unavailable in the banding area

♿ Wheelchair Access: Not wheelchair accessible. Access to the observation area requires travel through heavily wooded habitat with uneven ground, exposed roots, and no maintained pathways.

🚻 Restrooms: Limited restroom availability; participants should plan accordingly

🔬 Bird banding activities are conducted under appropriate permits by trained researchers.

🐦 Wildlife welfare is always the highest priority. Observation opportunities may vary depending on bird activity and weather conditions.

🌿 Participants should be comfortable walking through natural woodland habitat with uneven footing and no established trails.

The MAPS program is a continent-wide collaborative effort among public agencies, non-governmental groups, and individuals to assist the conservation of birds and their habitats through standardized bird monitoring.

MAPS bird banders collect data that can be used to estimate key demographic parameters known as vital rates, such as productivity, recruitment, and survival of individual bird species. This information helps scientists understand which life-stages may be most important in driving population change.

Learn more about IBP MAPS banding .