Program Overview: This course offers a unique opportunity to participate in the Institute for Bird Populations’ (IBP) Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program. MAPS stations exist throughout the continent to assist in bird conservation efforts with the use of bird banding — a special technique scientists use to track and study birds.
This avian adventure includes two days at two different bird banding stations in Yosemite. Here you’ll be with the IBP bird banders and ornithologist Sarah Stock, Yosemite National Park’s supervisory wildlife ecologist, for a close-up, hands-on look at bird banding. You’ll see researchers remove birds from mist nets, carefully place a band on the bird’s leg, and measure and record information about each individual bird. Our biologists put the safety and well-being of these birds first — they care deeply about the birds and are well-trained to avoid stressing them during this process.
By the time your course wraps up, you’ll have a deeper understanding of songbird conservation, bird identification techniques, and the role that resident and migratory birds play in healthy ecosystems.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Thursday, June 10, and Friday, June 11; 6:30 am–1 pm each day
- Program location: Crane Flat
- What’s Included
- Two full days of guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide and a National Park biologist
- Free day on Saturday, June 12, to explore the park on your own
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Wednesday, June 9, after 12 pm. Depart Sunday, June 13, by 11 am. Multiple campsites are shared between all participants who opt into camping. Each site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and bear locker. Within two weeks of registration, select “Camping” or “Not Camping” in your online portal to reserve your spot in a shared campsite. Access your portal through your confirmation email, and check your spam/junk folder if needed.
Camping Location: Crane Flat - Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Rush Creek Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. A block of rooms is reserved for program dates only. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Instructions on how to upgrade your lodging will be sent in your confirmation email after registration. Please check your spam/junk folder.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
