While you are visiting the Gulf Coast be sure to visit Fort Morgan for the annual migratory bird banding. Sponsored by the Hummer Bird Study Group, this is an amazing opportunity to identify and protect hummingbirds, buntings and many other colorful and often rare birds.

Fort Morgan’s location at the edge of the beach makes it an attractive spot for migrating birds to stop on their long trek south. For more than 10 years the bird banding station has catalogued these birds to monitor population levels and the effects of weather. Painted and indigo buntings are usually spotted as well as ruby-throated hummingbirds, a variety of warblers, woodpeckers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, summer tanagers and many others.

The bird-banding station will be open from April 2 – 14, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a crew of trained volunteers. Fort Morgan Historical Park charges $5 admission for adults and $3 for children 6-12, but banding is free. Bring your camera and get comfortable, but the bird banding station asks that you leave pets at home.