BIRD BANDING

Under the direction of Thorne’s founder, Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II, Thorne Nature Experience has run a bird banding program since 1954. Thorne’s current bird banding activities are included as a part of other Thorne programs like field trips and summer camps that are offered at Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center.

RESEARCH

Historically Oak and Thorne students banded more than 1,000 birds annually, as part of ongoing scientific research conducted by the USGS North American Bird Banding Laboratory. Data attained through banding birds is helpful in understanding bird populations and migration patterns. Oak Thorne maintains two bird banding stations at the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center and also conducts bird banding activities on public and private land throughout Boulder County and the Intermountain West.  

SUMMER CAMP

2023 was our final summer running the Birds & Bird Banding camp with Thorne’s Founder and Master Bird Bander, Dr. Oakleigh Thorne, II. Oak will continue to share his love of birds as a part of Thorne camps offered at Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center. 

CLICK HERE to learn about our Summer Camp offerings.

OAK’S BIRD BANDING LEGACY

The Thorne Nature Experience team is working on developing a legacy program that honors Oak’s life’s work in Bird Banding. Email info@nullthornenature.org if you are interested in receiving notification when we have more information about this program.

“The instructors are knowledgeable and fun to be around. I always look forward to another great afternoon of bird banding!”

– Alex Posen, Bird Banding Student