After the devastation of the Valley Fire in October 2024, we weren’t sure when or how we might return to Lucky Peak to continue our research.
We’re excited to share that, although we lost so much in the fire, our station is in good enough shape that we will be able to resume normal operations for Fall 2025.
Business as usual:
We’ll begin our fall migration projects on schedule.
Daily fall migration songbird banding at Lucky Peak will resume on July 16th. Weather allowing, we will band daily from sunrise and continuing for 5 hours.
Diurnal Raptor banding and hawkwatch will begin August 15th.
Owl banding will begin the night of August 28th.
For more information on when and how to visit, be sure to go to our Lucky Peak station page.
Changes:
Because the hillside where our crew usually camps burned, we will not have space this year to support overnight camping for visitors. We will be using every flat space for crew tents. Visitors can still visit for owl banding, but cannot stay the night.
We’re currently working with a volunteer team to rebuild our raptor trapping blind that was completely destroyed by the fire. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!