ASI offers seasonal bird banding field trips to the Creamer’s Field Migration Station in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

Registration is now OPEN for ASI’s spring 2024 field trips! Programs are available Mon-Fri mornings from April 29-May 17. 


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Programs are available Monday through Friday, mornings only. Scroll down for instructions on how to request a program.

Program information: Classes rotate through 2-3 learning stations, including a visit to ASI’s bird banding station where they learn firsthand about Alaska songbirds and scientific research. Students also investigate migration and wildlife at Creamer’s Field and with the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game. All programs include the conservation story of Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

Our programs are adaptable for all grade levels, however, due to the moderate level of walking and limited time frame involved they are best suited to students in grades 2 and older.

The focus of the program varies based on age/grade. Examples include: Alaska bird adaptations and habitats, bird song, the science of migration, taxonomy, scientific methods, field research, and conservation. If you have a specific request, please let us know.

Check out ASI’s VIRTUAL BIRD BANDING FIELD TRIP to Creamer’s Field! This is a great option for classes who aren’t able to visit us in the field. It’s also a great way to prepare or follow up on your visit. 

You can also download a pdf of our Creamer’s Field Student Activity Book and bird guide.


Important Program details:

We can accommodate 2 classes each morning. Consider coming with another class from your school to save on bus expenses.

The program lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 min. We can start as early as you can arrive, but must start by 10 am in order to have enough time for the full program. We will meet your bus at the bus pull out just before the Creamer’s Farmhouse.

The program fee is $65 per class. This fee directly supports the Alaska Songbird Institute’s bird banding project at Creamer’s Field. We can accept cash, check, and credit cards. Fees are collected on the day of your program, and a detailed receipt/invoice is provided. Teachers–please ensure you receive this receipt before leaving Creamer’s Field on the day of your program. 

Programs take place in the mornings only. As soon as your bus is scheduled, please notify us of your arrival time. We will meet you at the bus pull out just before the Creamer’s Farmhouse Visitor Center.

Your students will be outside for the majority of their visit, regardless of weather. The trails are often wet and muddy, and mornings on the refuge can be cold. Please ensure students are prepared with appropriate footwear, rain gear, and warm layers.

We have a variety of resources to help you prepare for your visit including a Virtual Bird Banding Field Trip, a series of Fairbanks Bird ID Birdwatching videos (about 5 min each–kid friendly!), and the Creamer’s Field Student Activity Book.


To request a program:

1. Requests are considered on an individual basis, considering dates available, group size, and other factors.

2. Check the online calendar to see what dates are available. Programs are available in the mornings only. We can start as soon as you can arrive, but must start by 10 am to have time for the full program.

3. Contact the Alaska Songbird Institute to discuss availability and group size. We will update the calendar as time slots are filled. If you see “1 class” on a day, there is only room for one class that day. Otherwise, we can usually accommodate 2 groups each morning.

Email: director@aksongbird.org

Once you have confirmed your date, arrange transportation and confirm your estimated arrival time with us asap.


Additional afternoons programs are available with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. (Please note: ADFG programs do not include bird banding.) Contact Mark Ross at 459-7301 or mark.ross@alaska.gov to request an afternoon program.

Once you have booked a program, check out this helpful information, including where to meet and how to prepare you for your trip.

What to know before you go!