Bird banding demonstrations

Come celebrate the spring migration and join us for FREE live bird banding demonstrations!

Where: The Shady Maple Trail at Goose Island County Park, W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard, WI 54658. As you enter the park, the trail is located off of the first left turn near the flagpoles. If you pass Shelter #1, you’ve driven too far. Parallel parking is available along the road; please park in a way that leaves maximum space for other visitors.

When: Saturday May 17, 2025, 7:00am – 11:00am. Stop by anytime during this time frame!

Bird banders set up nets in the early morning and bring birds back to a station to be banded. Enjoy a rare close-up view of residential and migratory birds while quietly watching as banders measure, weigh, band and safely release birds. A variety of experts will be on-site to help identify birds and explain how and why we band them! Many kinds of songbirds stopover during this time of year!

Please leave pets at home. Bug protection, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. The banding station is just a short walk from the parking lot, near the refuge interpretive kiosks at the trailhead. Bring your binos, a favorite field guide if you have one, and your sense of curiosity!

Birding is an interactive and immersive way to experience wildlife on the refuge! The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is situated in world-class birding territory along the Mississippi Flyway, making it one of the most popular activities for locals and destination birders alike.

Questions? Give us a call at the La Crosse District Visitor Center, 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center is open for winter hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9am – 3pm during November – April. Summer hours begin in May; Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 3pm; and run through October. The Visitor Center will be closed on Tuesday, June 3 for an all staff meeting and is closed on all federal holidays.