• When to visit:

Morning is best. Really! Birds are most active in the morning and on cloudy days. Fewer birds are caught at mid-day.

• Rain or shine:

Yes! Overcast days can be very good banding days. The bird observatory is open all weekend, except during constant, heavy rains.

• What to wear:

Hats, closed shoes, long pants and shirts with long sleeves are recommended - even in hot weather.

• Insects:

Mosquitos and ticks are often present and very active so use of  insect repellent is recommended.

• Access to the nets:

Only with a certified SBBO staff member are visitors allowed to walk along the nets during banding periods.

• Pets:

Leashed pets are permitted in the forest preserve, but pets are not permitted in the building or near the nets.

• For active visitors:

A scenic loop includes a hike through an oak savanna to the sand bluff overlooking the Sugar River.

• For less active visitors:

A path runs along one of the net runs. The banding facility and the restrooms are handicapped accessible and close to parking.

• Nearby facilities:

Campsites are two miles away at Sugar River Forest Preserve. Canoeists can put in on the Sugar River in Wisconsin for a trip to Colored Sands or Sugar River Forest Preserves.

• Photography:

By all means!

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