Bird Banding Workshop – Chico Basin Ranch
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is offering a 3-day hands-on bird banding workshop at Chico Basin Ranch, Colorado. This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate banders, no prior experience required. Participants will learn safe operation of mist-nets, safe bird-handling techniques, in-hand aging and sexing of passerine birds, and terminology regarding molt and interpreting the Pyle Guide.
This workshop will take place during regular operation of the banding station and will also include afternoon discussion-based presentations covering a variety of banding-related topics. Participation is capped at 6 individuals to ensure plenty of 1-on-1 training and feedback for each participant.
Note: Bird safety is always our top priority and we aim to keep holding times to a minimum, so not all participants will be able to handle every bird. However, every effort will be made to maximize hands-on training opportunities for our workshop participants, within our ethical and bird safety guidelines.
- Cost: $500 per participant
- When: September 21st through 23rd, 2026
- Where: Chico Basin Ranch, El Paso County, Colorado
Site details: Chico Basin Ranch is a working cattle ranch on the eastern plains of Colorado. Our banding station is located in a cottonwood grove on the north end of the ranch. The ranch is about a 45-minute drive from Colorado Springs, with the last several miles on a 2wd-accessible dirt road.
Lodging and Food: Free car or tent camping is available on-site, limited beds in on-site bunkrooms may be available, please inquire if interested. Otherwise, participants must arrange their own lodging in nearby Fountain or Colorado Springs. Portapotties are on-site but no other bathrooms or showers are available. We will provide a refillable potable water jug but participants will need to provide their own meals, snacks, and any other beverages. If staying on-site, think of it as rustic car-camping and plan to be self-sufficient!
How to Register: Fill out this google form and you will be contacted with a registration link. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Payment: $100 deposit will be required upon registration, with the remaining $400 required by August 14th, 2026. Registrations after August 14th will be paid in full at time of registration. We require a minimum of three registered participants by August 14th to run this workshop, all fees (including deposit) will be refunded if this minimum is not met.
Cancellation Fee:
Prior to August 14th: No cancellation fee (deposit refunded)
On or after August 14th: $100 cancellation fee (deposit not refunded)
Please contact Banding Manager Colin Woolley with any questions at [email protected]