Mountain Bluebird Trails has a Master Station Banding Permit and can issue sub-permits to qualified members of MBT.  One of our goals is to get sub-permitees throughout Montana banding bluebirds.

Banding birds gives us an opportunity to study the movements of individual birds as they are recaptured in the future.  If you are interested in being a part of this fascinating program by banding bluebirds in your area contact the administrator:

John Denton

P.O. Box 1183

Emigrant, MT 59027

(406)333-4916

E-mail

Banding records have shown some females returning to the same nestbox 4 years in a row.  Mother and daughters living side by side on a trail, while others may move hundreds of miles.

RECAPTURES

Catching a banded bird is called a "recapture".  If you should recapture a banded bird or find a dead bird with a band, please contact John Denton with the band number or in the case of a dead bird send him the band itself.  He will also want to know when and where you found it and the condition of the bird.  Include your name, address and phone number.   John will contact you with information on where the bird was banded.  Thanks in advance for you cooperation.

Young bluebird just   being banded.

John Denton can put you in touch with individuals in your region that are banding or will help you directly. It is a fantastic experience to hold both the young and old in your hand and to be part of a program that is striving to learn more about bluebird populations and habitats.

If you should come across a dead banded bluebird, please remove the band, flatten it out, tape it to a sheet of paper and mail it to John Denton, P.O. Box 1183, Emigrant, MT 59027. Please mention where you found the bluebird and, if possible, its condition. Include your name, address, phone number and John will contact you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 

 

A newly devised capture device has increased the number of males captured and banded. This remote controlled system is relatively inexpensive, nearly fool proof, and easy to construct. Bluebirds provide many with unforgettable experiences while watching a young fledge or capturing that elusive male or female.	photo by Mountain Bluebird Trails, Inc.
photo by Mountain Bluebird Trails, Inc.