Bogus Basin is hosting a unique experience this summer, allowing visitors to watch trained biologists safely catch, measure, band, and release wild hummingbirds as part of an ongoing conservation and research project led by Boise State University’s Intermountain Bird Observatory.

What Is Hummingbird Banding?

Bird banding is a scientific research method that’s been used for more than a century. Each hummingbird receives a tiny, lightweight numbered band around one leg—so small the bird doesn’t even notice it’s there. Researchers also record measurements such as weight, wing length, age, and sex before releasing the bird back into the wild within just a few minutes.

The best part? You don’t just watch from a distance. The Intermountain Bird Observatory team encourages guests to get close, ask questions, and learn about these incredible birds. If conditions are right and it’s safe for both you and the bird, you may even have the unforgettable opportunity to help release a hummingbird back into the wild after its band has been fitted.

There are only a few Hummingbird Banding events left: 7/27/26, 8/10/26, and 8/24/26 at Frontier Point Lodge at Bogus Basin. Guests can drop in between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., although organizers recommend arriving before 9:00 a.m. when hummingbird activity is typically at its highest.

Beyond the incredible photos and close encounters, your visit supports important conservation research. The Intermountain Bird Observatory has spent decades studying birds across Idaho, helping scientists better understand migration, habitat changes, and the health of bird populations throughout the Intermountain West.

Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.