Foreman's Branch Bird Observatory

In late September I joined others on a visit to the Foreman’s Branch Birding Observatory (FBBO) at Washington College in Chestertown. I was there this time last year as well. I have added additional pictures here from this year’s visit.

Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory is the only major banding station on the eastern shore of Maryland. Here they monitor spring and fall migration as the birds move between their breeding and wintering grounds. In 2023 FBBO completed its 26th year of migration banding.

Bird banding provides critical information on bird migration, survival and reproduction. The data collected is used for understanding, addressing and conserving bird populations.

We were able to observe the staff in action as they gently extracted birds from mist nets, taking them back to the hut to process and band before releasing. What data is collected? The birds sex, age, measurements, weight, fat deposits and breast muscle condition.

Select this link for more information about Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Washington College. They also have a Facebook page.

Other very important and exciting research conducted at the observatory includes testing of bird friendly glass, more on this at the bottom of this page.

For more information about bird banding and bird migration consider reading the book Flight Paths, by Rebecca Heisman. Select this link to view my book review.

All banding is conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.