We need your support!
We are raising funds for our 2026 fall field season at the Burke Lake Banding Station
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to fund our banding and mist-net technicians. Our amazing staff make it possible for us to provide amazing hands-on opportunities that people have grown to love.
Online donations
MSBO is no longer associated with Michigan State University and now is under the umbrella of Mackinaw Straits Raptor Watch. The reason for this association is the relationship that was developed between MSRW and MSBO given the shared mission and when Dr. Jen Owen left MSU, MSBO needed a home.
To support Fall 2026 banding operations, please donate through Mackinaw Straits Raptor Watch and select “MSBO” from the donation dropdown menu.
All funds designated for MSBO will go directly toward supporting bird banding operations and migration monitoring at Burke Lake Banding Station. Please email (MSBObirds@gmail.com) us if you have any questions regarding donations.
Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch (MSRW) is recognized as a charitable foundation under paragraph 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Specific donation categories
‘Sponsor-a-Net’
Specified donations of at least $300 (inner loop) or $250 (outer loop) will go toward supporting a specific mist net (replacing old nets and supplies associated with mist nets). A sign with the donor’s name will be placed near the mist net on inner loop and displayed at our banding station. At the end of the season the donor will receive a list of all the species captured in that particular net. It is a great way to show your support for MSBO! Net costs have gone up this year, and we could really use your support to keep our station running!
After sponsoring a net, please email us at MSBObirds@gmail.com to let us know your donation was a net sponsorship and the name you would like to be associated with your net. These can be in honor of a family member, a fun net name or your family’s name!
‘Sponsor-a-Program’
Outreach and educational programs at the MSBO connect our community with the amazing wonder of migratory birds. We provide hands-on, up-close experiences for participants of all ages. We could not do this without the support of our donors. If you would be interested in sponsoring an MSBO program, please email MSBObirds@gmail.com.
Sometimes we need more bird bags – please contact us to inquire. Bird bags need to be made of light cotton cloth of light or patterned material (no dark, solid colors). Various sizes are nice due to different size birds – the ones we are in need of now have finished dimensions of 8″W x 11″H and 6″W x 9″H. The seams inside need to be trimmed of lose thread or folded over so seams cannot unravel. The best drawstring material is nylon double-braided rope (1/8″ diameter). The rope needs to be long enough to loop around to tie the bag and then fit over an adult wrist to carry.
Current Major Sponsors/Funding Agencies
Thank you for your generous support – we cannot do it without you!!