Building on a Legacy
For over 20 years, Ranchlands has hosted long-term bird banding stations in Colorado, contributing valuable data to national conservation efforts and engaging thousands of students, visitors, and volunteers in the science of bird migration. In partnership with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and others, this work has deepened understanding of avian populations across the West.
Now, we’re bringing that legacy to Paintrock Canyon Ranch in Wyoming, where we’re establishing both a hummingbird and a migration banding station. Situated along a natural flyway where mountain, forest, and grassland ecosystems meet, Paintrock offers a unique opportunity to monitor bird populations while connecting more people to conservation through hands-on experiences in the field.
Why Bird Banding Matters
Bird banding is one of the most effective tools we have to understand and protect wild bird populations. By tracking individual birds over time, researchers can study migration routes, lifespan, habitat use, and population trends — all essential to making informed conservation decisions.
Paintrock Canyon Ranch sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems, making it a vital corridor for migratory birds. By collecting data here, we gain insight into how bird populations respond to climate shifts, habitat changes, and human activity across the American West.
But this isn’t just about birds — it’s about the land they depend on. And that’s where ranching comes in.
Ranchlands’ approach to ranching prioritizes ecological health. Bird banding provides a powerful measure of how our land stewardship practices — like rotational grazing, habitat preservation, and native grassland restoration — support biodiversity. When bird populations thrive, it’s a sign that the landscape is thriving, too.
In this way, bird banding becomes more than just research: it’s a living indicator of how ranching, when done right, can be a tool for conservation.
Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goals
Help us raise $30,000 to launch and sustain two bird banding stations at Paintrock Canyon Ranch: one dedicated to hummingbirds, the other to migratory songbirds.
Your donation will support:
- Equipment, staffing & research at both stations
- Education programs for students and visitors
- Data collection in collaboration with Audubon and other partners
All while helping us understand how bird populations respond to land management practices like conservation-focused ranching.
If you’re considering a larger or more personal gift, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to us directly at theodora@ranchlands.com to explore how you can play a lead role in this important work.
