UM Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL)

Songbird Banding Stations

Visit one of UMBEL's songbird banding stations this summer! Join us to see some of Montana’s most beautiful animals up close while learning about scientific data collection, the importance of riparian habitat, bird behavior, and ecology. We regularly work with Montana Natural History Center campers, Montana Audubon birders, and groups from The Blackfoot Challenge and Ripple to provide a unique glimpse into the world of avian biology and ecology. 

Summer Banding Schedule

We operate three banding stations on a regular basis throughout the summer: Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge, MPG Ranch in the Bitterroot valley, and the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River in Clinton. The Rock Creek and Grant-Kohrs sites are open to the public, and no reservations are needed - you can just show up! We also welcome larger groups (10+ people) to these sites, and while reservations are not required, we can facilitate your group more efficiently if you contact us in advance of your visit. Finally, MPG Ranch is private property - all visits, regardless of group size, are arranged by appointment only.

Here are our banding dates for summer 2026:

In addition to these dates, we will also host a special weekend banding demonstration at Milltown State Park (just east of Missoula) on June 27. Follow us on social media (Facebook/Instagram) for more details and updates. Hope to see you out there! 

For more information about any of our banding sessions or to arrange a visit, contact Sasha Robinson at (831)251-0471 (call/text) or alexander.robinson@mso.umt.edu (email).

Tips for a Successful Visit

We love human visitors of all kinds: bring your kids, come with a friend, or stop by on your own! A few things to keep in mind when visiting our operations:

• Please keep in mind that these programs are weather dependent – if the forecast indicates rain or high winds, we may have to cancel – if you're unsure, contact Sasha (831)251-0471 for an update on current conditions.
• Try to arrive between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM for the best experience. You can come later in the day (our nets are open until noon-ish), but birds are most active in the earlier hours.
• We ask that visitors stay no more than 2 hours per session to allow our banders to stay focused and attend equally to the other guests.
• For the safety of the birds, we do not allow dogs/pets at the station.
• Be prepared! Visitors should wear shoes and clothes appropriate for hiking near riparian woodlands. Consider bringing snacks or a lunch, as well as water, sunscreen, a hat, and bug repellent (the mosquitoes can be quite numerous!). Bring binoculars if you have them and a camera if you’d like – a bird-in-the-hand provides a unique opportunity for beautiful, up-close pictures.
• If you intend to visit with a large and/or organized group, please contact Sasha in advance to discuss the best date and/or station for your visit. 

Banding Station Directions

Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site is located at the north end of Deer Lodge. From I-90, take exit 184 and head West toward the town of Deer Lodge. At 1⁄2 mile from the highway, turn right (West) into the main parking lot of Grant-Kohrs Ranch. To get to the banding station from the parking lot: Follow the paved foot trail out to the main ranch area and take a left after passing the ranch house, then follow the gravel road toward the open field and then west to the Clark Fork River. Follow this road toward the river and look for the bird banding station on the right, after crossing the 2nd bridge. The walk from the parking lot to the banding station takes about 15 minutes. If you have arranged a time with us for your visit, wait in the parking area, and one of our staff will meet you and lead you out to the banding station.

Rock Creek Confluence Property
From Missoula, drive 20 miles east on I-90 and take exit 126 for Rock Creek. From the exit ramp, take a right, drive over the overpass, turn left on Lazy Water Way, and park in the small parking lot on the left. Walk through the wooden gate on the left side of the green road gate and walk approximately 1⁄2 mile eastward on the north of two parallel roads. As you are walking along the road, the river will be on the left-hand side. You will cross through another gate which will be open, and we will be just up the road to the east.

MPG Ranch *appointment only, contact Sasha at (831)251-0471 or alexander.robinson@umt.mso.edu
From Missoula, drive south on Hwy 93 until you reach the only traffic light in Florence. Turn East (left), onto the Eastside Highway/State Highway 203. Travel 1.6 miles, crossing the Bitterroot River. At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto 8 Mile Creek Road for 0.2 miles. The road bends to the north and turns into 8 Mile Creek Rd/Lower Woodchuck Road. Continue traveling north for 0.75 miles. Go straight through the intersection with a 4-way stop; the road signs say Lower Woodchuck Road at this point. Continue following Lower Woodchuck Road north until you reach the locked gate. If you have scheduled an appointment, please wait near the locked gate at the designated time for someone to escort you to the banding site.