Park Happenings

Event Details

Have you been considering joining the Tennessee Naturalist Program, and want to check out a class? Or are you interested in a more in-depth program about bird banding than our regular banding sessions? This program is part of the official Tennessee Naturalist Program, but you don't have to be enrolled in the program to join!

Step into the fascinating world of bird science with this hands-on Introduction to Bird Banding workshop. Designed for curious beginners and experienced birders alike, this immersive half-day continuing ed workshop gives you a rare, up-close look at wild birds and the science used to study them.

You’ll watch skilled banders safely capture and handle birds, learn how scientists collect critical data like age, weight, and migration patterns, and you might even get the opportunity to hold and release a bird yourself!

Along the way, you’ll discover how bird banding supports conservation efforts and deepens our understanding of the natural world.

With a mix of outdoor demonstration and engaging classroom learning, this class offers a unique chance to connect with our flying friends, ask questions to an experienced expert in real time, and gain insight into a practice that has shaped ornithology for over a century.

Whether you’re a bird lover, a citizen science aficionado, or simply looking for an unforgettable new experience, this class will leave you inspired, seeing birds in a whole new way.

The cost of this event is $65. Registration is through the TNP website, linked here. https://tnnaturalist.org/register/. We will meet at the Bluebird Barn at 7:00 am. Please bring a light, good walking shoes, water, and dress for the weather. We will be walking approximately 1 mile on paved and unpaved surfaces. Please be prepared to walk in wet grass.

To learn more about the Tennessee Naturalist Certification Program, visit https://tnnaturalist.org/

Email Ranger Clare at clare.dattilo@tn.gov with questions.