MSBO Welcomes YOU!
Please note that the Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) is an organization that bands birds at two locations, the Burke Lake Banding Station (BULA) and the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Station (Corey Marsh or CMERC). We welcome visitors at both locations during our open hours (please see calendar on home page). Weather closings will be announced on our calendar and our Facebook page.
All are welcome to come and observe how we capture and band birds. We also offer people of all ages the opportunity to experience having a bird placed on their hand (before they fly away, of course). If the person is lucky, the bird may even stay on their hand for a few seconds!
The reason we are able to offer such amazing experiences to our visitors is because we have a skilled, paid, and fully-permitted crew who run the station. Without their expertise and utmost care for the birds we could not offer such an opportunity. Furthermore, their knowledge about biology of migratory birds is extensive and they love sharing it with our enthusiastic visitors.
Common Questions & Answers
Where are you located?
BULA is located in Bath, Michigan which is just northeast of Lansing, MI. The parking area of our station is located at the following coordinates: 42.81356,-84.384817, which is on the north side of Clark Road, 1.0 mile east from the Clark/Upton intersection. Once you arrive you can follow the signs to the station. Please note the sign on Clark Road (see picture below) when we are open. If you do not see signs then the site is closed! Please check the calendar (see above). Please park in the lot, avoid parking on the side of the road.
Corey Marsh is located 5 minutes down the road from BULA, at 9422 E. Herbison Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848. When you arrive to the parking area at Corey Marsh, walk to the building labeled Bird Banding Barn! There will be a sign near the parking area to note when we are open. Parking is available off the circle drive and under the trees off the main road. Please do not block building doors. ** ADA: If you are in a wheelchair, you may pull up between the big barn and the bird banding barn. We then have a ramp that allows visitor to get into the bird banding barn to view the banding process and see birds up close.
When are you open?
Check our Calendar online for the locations, days, and times that we are open. BULA is open August 15-October 15, 7 days/week; Corey Marsh has a flexible schedule based on the season (Note: Fall 2023 season is Mon/Fri/Sat). The spring season usually runs the month of May. Typically each station is open for visitors from around 8am to around noon, but the exact times vary each day. Check back frequently on the calendar or on our Facebook page for changes to the schedule associated with weather – we are not usually able to plan weather delays or cancellations in advance!
Do we have to arrive at a certain time?
Visitors are welcome to come and go at any time between the hours posted on the calendar. However, we highly recommend visiting between 8 – 10am as it is when most of the birds are captured. Banding typically starts a little after sunrise and is completed around noon each morning.
What can we expect when we arrive?
Burke Lake Banding Station. When you arrive to the parking area at BULA you will follow the arrows on the BULA signs to the banding tent, which is roughly a 2-5 minute walk. You will see our tent in a clearing and likely people in the area. If you do not see people, don’t fret! That means everyone went on a net run to collect the birds. PLEASE, stay at the tent until we are back. Once you meet our friendly faces we will be happy to answer any questions regarding the bird banding process, and do our best to answer any other questions you may have. The dirt trail has a few obstacles and can be slippery following a rain.
Corey Marsh Banding Station. Please park on the grass near the big barn. Leave the area between the large barn and the Bird Banding Barn (BBB) open so that someone with special needs can park there. Come around to the back side of the BBB and we will have our banding bay open. If you do not see people, don’t fret! That means everyone went on a net run to collect the birds. PLEASE, stay at the barn until they are back.
Are the banding stations accessible for individuals with mobility limitations?
Burke Lake Banding Station is a short walk from the trailhead but it is over rough ground with roots and some rocks. It is not recommended for individuals with walkers or wheelchairs. However, our Corey Marsh Banding Station is accessible for individuals with wheelchairs and there is a wheelchair accessible portajohn on site. The toilet at CMERC is ADA compliant. For more information about the facilities, accessibility and trails at CMERC, please visit the Birdability review of CMERC.
Do you take groups? How big?
Yes, we welcome groups of all sizes including large groups; however, we ask that you coordinate with us by email ahead of your visit to discuss how we can best accommodate your group. Please check out our Outreach and Education page for more details.
Is there a bathroom at the site?
Yes – at both sites we have portable toilets that are maintained weekly. They are located in the parking area at Burke Lake Banding Station and just down E. Herbison Road past the barns at Corey Marsh.
Can we help take birds out of the nets?
No – only crew trained by MSBO staff are allowed to extract birds from nets and hold birds. Even if a visitor has experience we do not allow them to extract birds because they are not covered under the Director’s (Dr. Jen Owen’s) Master Banding Permit. All of the staff and regular, dedicated interns are covered under Dr. Owen’s permit. If you are interested in being a dedicated volunteer please ask about current opportunities or fill out our volunteer interest form. We do offer one-on-one training for dedicated individuals (please see Join the MSBO Team for more information).
What should we wear or bring with us?
It varies with season. In the fall, be prepared for mosquitoes and hot/muggy weather. We recommend long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and shoes/boots that have good soles on them for walking on boards that can get slippery. Also, we would like anyone that goes on net runs with crew to consider wearing “net-friendly” clothing, which simply means clothes without buttons down the middle or many zippers. We also ask that if you have a backpack to please leave it in the banding tent. These often get caught in our nets and can cause rips and holes. If you must carry something when going on a net run with us, please inform the crew member you are going with.
Food and drink: Visitors are welcome to bring a water bottle and snacks. And, if you want to gift our crew with a snack it is always much appreciated – savory or sweet! We do not have many chairs at the tent area at BULA so if you want to be able to sit, please consider bringing a folding chair.
Have your operations been impacted by the avian flu?
We are keeping a close eye on the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza H5 and H5N1 and the impacts it may make to our banding season. To learn more, visit the current USGS map of outbreaks in wild birds (green circles). If you notice sick or injured birds in Michigan, please submit your sighting to the DNR at www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Survey/4
To keep our crew and visitors safe and healthy, we may have additional protocols at the station. Feel free to email us at burkelakebanding@gmail.com if you have any questions.