Ornithology Field Camp

Sign up for Ornithology Camp

FAQs about Wolf Ridge Camp

Experience the exciting world of bird banding!

This camp is for high school students with a strong interest in birds and bird research who want to expand their existing field ornithology skills. Campers should have prior experience with birds, either through Wolf Ridge’s Introduction to Field Ornithology Camp or other exposure to and interest in bird research.

Bird banding is the focus of this camp. Campers will:

• Learn how to remove passerines from mist nets.
• Learn to age birds by skulling and observing molt limits and other criteria.
• Learn to sex birds by plumage, brood patches, and cloaca protuberances.
• Learn how to use color and pit tags to research bird behavior.
• Observe the banding of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and Peregrine Falcons if conditions are suitable.
• Campers will also experience one birding outing to a Boreal Forest setting. Wolf Ridge’s 2,000 acres sit on hills overlooking Lake Superior with excellent breeding bird habitat. This presents great opportunities to observe many neotropical migrants in their breeding plumage.
• Participate in Rock Climbing, swimming, and more typical camp activities.