Objectives

Birds are our passion, and we want to share that passion with as many people as possible. Whether you’re young or old, a beginner or an expert, an amateur or a professional, there’s something here for you to discover and enjoy.

Together, let’s discover how incredible birds are!

Types of Offerings

Our site is closed to the public; however, we are passionate about sharing the incredible experience of working closely with these fascinating creatures. To make this possible, we offer limited opportunities for small group visits (maximum of 15 people) in exchange for a minimum donation.

Visits take place in the morning and last 2–3 hours. Since our nets open 30 minutes before sunrise, visit times vary as daylight hours change throughout the season. We operate for five hours each morning during the following periods:

  • Spring: April 18 – June 1
  • Fall: August 1 – November 6

What to Expect During Your Visit :

  • Learn about the importance of bird banding and our ongoing research projects
  • Tour our facilities and explore part of our site
  • Watch a demonstration on mist netting techniques
  • Observe banding and morphometric measurements of captured birds
  • Photograph birds in the banders’ hands
  • Experience the unforgettable moment of releasing a bird back into the wild

*Note: In the event of rain, banding activities will not take place, and the visit will be postponed.*

We are excited to share our expertise and passion for birds with your ornithology club, naturalist group, or scientific event! Our presentations explore the latest research from the McGill Bird Observatory, covering topics such as bird migration, population monitoring, and the effects of environmental change on bird species.

Each talk is tailored to your audience, making it both informative and engaging—whether for seasoned birders, researchers, or those new to the field. If you’re organizing a meeting or event, contact us to arrange a presentation that will educate and inspire your attendees.

See the presentations we currently offer.

Bring the wonders of bird conservation into your classroom! Our educational presentations engage students with fascinating insights into the lives of birds, their migration patterns, and the importance of conservation. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples from the McGill Bird Observatory, we inspire students to explore the natural world and consider careers in science.

Designed for elementary, middle, and high school students, our presentations align with your curriculum and spark curiosity about birds and their ecosystems.

See a summary of the presentations we currently offer.

Enhance your next ecology, natural science, or environmental event with the McGill Bird Observatory experience! Our engaging kiosk features interactive demonstrations, educational displays, and expert insights into bird conservation and research. With a passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring action, we’re eager to collaborate with you to create a memorable experience for your attendees.

If you’re organizing an event, contact us at mbo@migrationresearch.org to include our kiosk and introduce your audience to the fascinating world of birds!

The McGill Bird Observatory offers seasonal internships for those looking to gain hands-on experience at a migration monitoring station. Interns will develop essential skills in bird identification, mist net extraction, safe handling, banding, and data collection, as well as the daily operations of running a banding station.

Under the guidance of experienced banders, interns will learn how to apply proper handling techniques, record morphometric measurements, and age birds using WRP molt codes. They will also assist with net setup and takedown, volunteer coordination, and station maintenance, gaining a well-rounded understanding of migration research.

The internship requires a minimum commitment of 150 hours (ideally 210 hours). It is a non-salaried position. Interns should be prepared for early mornings (starting 30 minutes before sunrise), six-hour shifts, and moderate physical activity. No prior banding experience is required.

Availability is limited each season—apply early!

Spring: April 18 – June 5 (Apply by February 15)

Fall: August 1 – November 6 (Apply by June 1)

To apply, send us a cover letter and your CV at mbo@migrationresaerch.org

Are you a journalist, writer, or content creator looking for expert insights on ornithology, bird conservation, or migration research? The McGill Bird Observatory team is available for interviews, news articles, and discussions on various bird-related topics.

We are happy to share our expertise on:

  • Bird migration patterns and research
  • The impact of environmental changes on bird populations
  • The role of bird banding in conservation efforts
  • Our work at the McGill Bird Observatory

If you’re interested in learning more about what we do or would like our perspective on a specific topic, we’d love to hear from you.

For media inquiries, please contact: mbo@migrationresearch.org

Each fall, the McGill Bird Observatory studies the migration of Northern Saw-whet Owls, a tiny and elusive species that travels under the cover of night. To support this important research, we offer private evening visits where, for a minimum donation of $100, you and a loved one can witness owl banding up close and observe these fascinating birds firsthand.

By sponsoring a banded owl, you help fund MBO’s research and contribute to the conservation of migratory owls. Whether for yourself or as a unique gift, your sponsorship makes a direct impact.

What’s Included in Your Owl Sponsorship:

  • The opportunity to release your owl if you are present on banding night
  • A charitable donation receipt from the Migration Research Foundation Inc.
  • A digital certificate (emailed in November) with a photo of your owl after banding
  • Detailed information about your owl, including age, sex, capture date, and more
  • Priority notification if your owl is ever recovered elsewhere

Important Notes:

  1. Scheduling your visit: The program start at the end of September – Keep an eye out for updates!
  2. Bird captures are not guaranteed. If no owls are caught during your visit, we may offer another opportunity based on availability.
  3. Banding will be canceled in case of rain. We will notify you in advance if weather conditions require rescheduling.

Public Presentations

15 years of migration monitoring at MBO

Little did anyone realize in 2004 how successful the program would become. MBO’s 50,000th bird was banded in October 2014 and we are now near our 100,000th bird! Along the way, we have trained hundreds of volunteers, learned new details about countless species, and generated even more questions to keep us busy into the future! This presentation will highlight key results from MBO’s fifteen-year report.

Moult migration, a little-known phenomenon in Eastern North America.

Adult passerines moult every year, but individuals of some species make a particular move to complete their moult. This phenomenon is well known in western North America, but little documented in eastern North America. We have been studying this phenomenon for several years. This talk explains the phenomenon of moult migration and presents the results of research carried out since 2013.

A Drift of Buntings

Who has not pulled their car over to watch loose flocks of buntings glide across open fields ? In North America, the Snow Bunting breeds in the Arctic, but winters in the balmy climate of southern Canada. In this presentation, we’ll look at nesting behaviour, physiology, plumage, habitat and range of the Snow Bunting, and introduce the research of the Canadian Snow Bunting Network.

The Norther Saw-Whet Owl

Discover the fascinating world of Northern Saw-whet Owls in this in-depth presentation exploring their habitat, diet, and breeding behaviors. Learn about the history of Saw-whet Owl migration research, from early discoveries to what we know today. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of these elusive nocturnal migrants and the important role of migration monitoring in their conservation.

School Presentations

Birds – Incredible dinosaurs

Can be adapted for all cycles

This presentation provides an exciting introduction to the world of birds, their fascinating adaptations, and the role of bird banding in migration research.

For those looking for an extended experience, an optional 30-minute bird observation session can be added, allowing students to apply their newfound knowledge in the field.

Presentation Options:

  • 1-hour session: Covers bird anatomy, evolution, migration, and banding.
  • 1.5-hour session: Includes all of the above, plus an outdoor bird observation activity.
Intro to Identification – Workshops

Grades 5 and 6

Join us for an interactive presentation that introduces the key features used to identify birds in the field! After a short introduction, students will participate in hands-on workshops designed to develop their bird identification skills through different methods.

Workshops Offered:

  • Identifying Birds with Merlin Bird ID
  • Recognizing Bird Songs with Mnemonics
  • Using a Field Guide for Identification
  • Identifying Birds with a Dichotomous Key
  • Learning Bird Identification Through Drawing

These workshops provide a fun and engaging way for students to improve their bird identification abilities while deepening their appreciation for birds and their unique characteristics.

Check Out Our
YouTube Channel

We’ve created a series of videos showcasing different aspects of our banding activities and the various bird species we encounter in our work. Come meet them!

How you can help

Our research is made possible through the generous support of donors, volunteers, and partners. Your donations help keep the observatory running, allowing us to conduct vital studies on bird migration, stopover behaviors, and habitat conservation. Contributions directly fund research equipment, banding efforts, and outreach initiatives.

You can also support our work by volunteering, participating in community science projects, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of bird conservation. Every effort makes a difference in protecting migratory species and their habitats