Bird observatories are an essential starting place for young biologists, but also for members of the public; to watch, to learn, and to fall in love with birds in a more intimate and up-close setting. Long Point Bird Observatory is where it all begins for many of us. It is the founding program of Birds Canada, ultimately leading to everything we do today.  We urge you to visit a bird observatory near you, but for now, please join Andrea and Andres, as they field trip to Long Point Bird Observatory and learn all about banding and the special impact that bird observatories have for young biologists and the species that migrate through. Special thank you to the volunteers and staff who shared their stories, expertise, and passion for birds with us. You’ll find information about the birds they are seeing and banding on the Sightings Board. Bonus: which species can you identify singing in the background? Stu MacKenzie is responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.Andrea Gress studied Renewable Resource Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She pivoted towards birds, after an internship in South Africa. Upon returning, she worked with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan and now coordinates the Ontario Piping Plover Conservation Program for Birds Canada. Follow her work at @ontarioploversAndrés Jiménez is a Costa Rican wildlife biologist with a keen interest in snakes, frogs, birds and how human relationships are interconnected with the living world. He studied Tropical Biology in Costa Rica and has a Masters in Environmental Problem Solving from York University. He is Birds Canada's Urban Program Manager and you can follow him at @andresjimoHave a burning question? Many people might have the same question, we would love to answer it.Please send us your voice memo with any bird question to -> podcast@birdscanada.orgAlternatively, call  519-586-3531, extension 128 and leave a voice mail!