Braddock Bay Bird Observatory

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory is dedicated to ornithological research, education and conservation. Each year, we band and release thousands of songbirds in an effort to document and understand how they behave during migration.

BBBO is located just west of Rochester on the shore of Lake Ontario. This area is a focal point of bird activity, especially during spring and fall migration when it is possible to see over 130 species of songbirds. Migrating birds use the lakeshore as a stopover site - as a place to rest and refuel. Suitable stopover sites are critical in the life-cycle of birds, as a lack of adequate resources along the journey contribute to declining populations. BBBO's scientific program is aimed at understanding how birds use stopover sites, so that we can then focus our conservation efforts on preserving appropriate sites.

From April 15 - May 31 and from August 15 - Oct 31, the banding operation is open for six hours daily starting at sunrise (weather permitting). Braddock Bay Bird Observatory is one of only a few banding stations in North American that is open to the public. Visitors to the station during our banding hours are able to accompany trained volunteers to the nets to see how we safely catch birds, and they are able to watch the banding process as they observe our experienced banders identify, band, age, measure, and release each bird. Guests learn about bird migration and our research, as they have the opportunity to see birds in the hand.

At all other times, our trails are open to the public for walking and bird watching. Guests will want to dress for the weather and should expect muddy trails in the spring. Note that we do not allow dogs onsite when the banding operation is open, but they are welcome once we are closed for the day.