From sparrows to sandhill cranes, Forest Preserves of Cook County biologists safely capture, handle and band an average of 400 birds per year. But what is bird banding and why do we do it?

Explore an interactive map, videos and photos that tell the story of our ongoing research to track zoonotic diseases (illnesses passed between animals and humans), uncover local environmental issues, and measure the success of our restoration efforts—all through the amazing birds that live in and migrate through Cook County.