Myriad species take refuge on Fort Morgan, but many around this time of year use it more as a hotel.

Birds sporting an array of sizes, colors and complexities use the tip of land as their embarkment over the Gulf of Mexico, and local federally licensed researchers use the convention to track and study fall migrating birds.

Starting today, Friday, Sept. 27, for the next week, Banding Coalition of the Americas is welcoming the public to get an up-close experience of viewing the wild birds as they are banded by experts so they can study their full annual cycle (breeding, non-breeding and migratory range).

"We make it our mission to enhance people's knowledge of birds through scientific outreach and education. We achieve this by offering public bird bandings and sharing our work with the general public. We believe that by taking these actions, we can better conserve the species we love for generations to come," BCA's website says.

Fall migrating birds will be safely captured in fine nets then brought to the main tent to measure, weigh and band, while visitors look on. Some birds are briefly presented for guests to see and photograph, while BCA volunteers share species details and answer questions. The birds are then released to complete their journey. All banding is conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey's BBL.

The event is free, but donations to BCA, which was founded in 2020, are accepted onsite, and there is a free to enter the Fort Morgan Historic Site. Stop at the entry shack to pay and follow directions to the park, then follow signs on foot to the banding station.

Suggestions items to bring include an easy folding chair, bug repellent, water to drink any food/snacks you want, sunscreen, a hat, rain gear (if needed) and a camera.

The event will be Sept. 27-Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except Oct. 5 will shut down at noon. For more information, go to www.bandingcoalition.org.