SGVRC: Bird Banding in the Whitewater Preserve
Sat, Apr 18, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT
Location only visible to confirmed attendees
Hosts
About
Discover the Wonders of Avian Conservation! 🐦
8:00 am - 10:00 Bird Banding
10:00 pm - 12:00 Free time to explore the kid wading pool & the Preserver's many hiking trails.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Pot Luck Lunch
Camping is available with
Whitewater Preserve reservations
Join us for an immersive and educational Bird Banding Experience—a rare chance to witness wildlife science in action. This hands-on event invites members to observe professional ornithologists and volunteers as they safely capture, band, and release wild birds. Bird banding is an essential conservation practice that helps researchers better understand migration routes, population trends, and the overall health of bird species across Southern California.
During the event, you’ll gain an up-close look at how bird banding works and why it matters. Watch the delicate handling and tagging process, hear the rapid heartbeat of a wild bird cradled in expert hands, and experience the magical moment as each bird is released back into the open sky.
Throughout the morning, experts will be available to answer questions, share fascinating details about both local and migratory species, and demonstrate the specialized tools and techniques used by field biologists. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to learn, observe, and connect with the incredible wildlife that thrives in our region.
This event is perfect for families, nature lovers, students, photographers, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. Bring your binoculars, camera, and curiosity! Dress comfortably for the outdoors and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
⸻
Meet Your Expert Guides: Steve & Vesta Myers
We are honored to welcome Steve and Vesta Myers from the Coachella Valley Rivian Club as our hosts for this special event at Whitewater Preserve.
Steve Myers is a retired wildlife biologist and ornithologist with more than 40 years of experience studying and banding birds throughout Southern California. Over his distinguished career, Steve has banded tens of thousands of birds and continues to pass on his knowledge through classes with the Joshua Tree National Park Association’s Desert Institute.
Vesta Myers has assisted Steve for over 20 years, contributing invaluable support during countless bird-banding sessions. She has a special talent for teaching students how to safely and respectfully handle birds, helping them appreciate both the science and the sensitivity behind the work.
Together, Steve and Vesta bring deep expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for wildlife. They’ve also enjoyed their Launch Green R1T since May 2022, exploring remote camping areas and embarking on memorable road trips across the Southwest.
At our event, they will guide us through the world of birding, demonstrate the process of tagging and releasing birds, and share the science that makes this conservation effort so important. This is a unique opportunity to learn from two experts who are not only experienced but also passionate about inspiring others.
⸻
Space is limited to 10 Rivian vehicles, so please register early.
We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of discovery, learning, and community
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs
SGVRC: Bird Banding in the Whitewater Preserve
Sat, Apr 18, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT
Location only visible to confirmed attendees
Hosts
About
Discover the Wonders of Avian Conservation! 🐦
8:00 am - 10:00 Bird Banding
10:00 pm - 12:00 Free time to explore the kid wading pool & the Preserver's many hiking trails.
11:30 am - 1:30 pm Pot Luck Lunch
Camping is available with
Whitewater Preserve reservations
Join us for an immersive and educational Bird Banding Experience—a rare chance to witness wildlife science in action. This hands-on event invites members to observe professional ornithologists and volunteers as they safely capture, band, and release wild birds. Bird banding is an essential conservation practice that helps researchers better understand migration routes, population trends, and the overall health of bird species across Southern California.
During the event, you’ll gain an up-close look at how bird banding works and why it matters. Watch the delicate handling and tagging process, hear the rapid heartbeat of a wild bird cradled in expert hands, and experience the magical moment as each bird is released back into the open sky.
Throughout the morning, experts will be available to answer questions, share fascinating details about both local and migratory species, and demonstrate the specialized tools and techniques used by field biologists. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to learn, observe, and connect with the incredible wildlife that thrives in our region.
This event is perfect for families, nature lovers, students, photographers, and anyone interested in wildlife conservation. Bring your binoculars, camera, and curiosity! Dress comfortably for the outdoors and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
⸻
Meet Your Expert Guides: Steve & Vesta Myers
We are honored to welcome Steve and Vesta Myers from the Coachella Valley Rivian Club as our hosts for this special event at Whitewater Preserve.
Steve Myers is a retired wildlife biologist and ornithologist with more than 40 years of experience studying and banding birds throughout Southern California. Over his distinguished career, Steve has banded tens of thousands of birds and continues to pass on his knowledge through classes with the Joshua Tree National Park Association’s Desert Institute.
Vesta Myers has assisted Steve for over 20 years, contributing invaluable support during countless bird-banding sessions. She has a special talent for teaching students how to safely and respectfully handle birds, helping them appreciate both the science and the sensitivity behind the work.
Together, Steve and Vesta bring deep expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for wildlife. They’ve also enjoyed their Launch Green R1T since May 2022, exploring remote camping areas and embarking on memorable road trips across the Southwest.
At our event, they will guide us through the world of birding, demonstrate the process of tagging and releasing birds, and share the science that makes this conservation effort so important. This is a unique opportunity to learn from two experts who are not only experienced but also passionate about inspiring others.
⸻
Space is limited to 10 Rivian vehicles, so please register early.
We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of discovery, learning, and community
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs