Powdermill Nature Reserve

Bird Banding, Avian Perception of Glass, Motus Wildlife Telemetry Tracking and more.

The Richard P. Mellon Avian Research Center at Powdermill is part of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s biological research station, Powdermill Nature Reserve. Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC) operates a bird banding station, conducts research within the Motus network using telemetry to track birds, and evaluates avian perception of glass in an experimental flight tunnel to help reduce bird window collisions. Visit our Research page to learn more about these and additional avian research efforts underway at PARC. Above all else, the well-being of every bird is always our top priority!

With almost 60 years of experience and over 800,000 birds captured, PARC is uniquely situated to study how birds are responding to our changing world. In this way PARC contributes both to our knowledge of migrating species and to their enhanced survival as well. Visit our PARC History page for more information.

Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the PARC facility and its 25 acres of fields, hedgerows, ponds, wetlands, and streams offer a unique opportunity for research partnerships. Graduate students and field researchers find exciting opportunities at PARC in a variety of areas related to our woodland setting. Additionally, seasonal assistants and volunteers have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge of avian research by assisting in PARC’s bird banding program. Researchers interested in collaborations or access to banding data should Contact PARC for more information.