Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. Willistown Conservation Trust owns and manages Hartman Meadow, Ashbridge, Kirkwood, Kestrel Hill and Rushton Woods Preserves. We maintain these lands to preserve and enhance … Learn more about our nature preserves.
SOLD OUT Fall Migration Songbird Banding
This event is sold out! Check back on our calendar for future bird banding opportunities.
Visit the bird banding station at Rushton Woods Preserve to observe the banding process, learn about the science of bird migration, and see the importance of land conservation for migratory birds. Space is limited and we want to ensure that newcomers can experience the magic of bird banding, so we ask that you limit your signups to 3 slots at a time. When you sign up for a slot, you are committing to attending at that timeframe, but if you are unable to attend, please email Chelsea Heck at cmh@wctrust.org.
Please register in advance and stay within the designated viewing area for the safety of our staff and visitors.
Every Thursday, September 8 – 29 | 7:15 – 10:30 am
Every Thursday, October 6 – 13 | 7:30 – 10:30 am
Please note the following:
-Banding is weather dependent. Banding may be canceled at any time with limited or no notice due to any one or more of the following weather factors: rain before a banding date, rain on a banding date, high winds.
-The banding station is entirely outdoors and you may have to walk through wet grass or mud to reach the station; please dress appropriately.
-Photography is permitted.
-Video is prohibited.
If you are interested in bringing a group to observe banding, please contact Lisa Kiziuk, Director of the Bird Conservation Program (lkr@wctrust.org) to discuss arrangements.
Rushton Farm & Rushton Woods Preserve: 911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square. Park in Lot C, and from there, follow the signs to the bird banding station.
ABOUT BIRD BANDING | Bird banding is an important and powerful scientific tool in bird conservation. Understanding our reasons for banding and being able to relate those reasons to the public, along with proper training and the maintenance of high scientific standards is necessary for the success of our banding/outreach program.
Rushton Woods Preserve (RWPR) lies within an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA), offering a great opportunity for banding and allowing us to study the seasonal and long term population patterns and species diversity of migratory and breeding birds. The RWPR banding project contributes to continent-wide monitoring efforts and exemplifies the benefits of low-impact land management practices on bird populations.
