Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Multifaceted Nature of Bird Banding

Beauty, resilience, order, dedication, focus, that was a few of the things I witnessed during my first experience with bird banding using mist nets at the Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This work is not easy. And many things about it impressed me. The birds of course were beautiful, not happy mind you, but handled with care and efficiency. To see them in hand, the details of their faces, even the yellow gape at the corner of a juvenile's mouth or the color of an Indigo bunting's feet pads, this is detailed beauty otherwise seen only in photography.
Indigo Bunting But this intimate view of the birds is only a fringe benefit of what is otherwise meticulous work conducted by dedicated members of the Tennessee Ornithological Society who have gone through special training and obtained certifications and special Federal permits to do this work. In the end the data collected contributes to a body of information that helps us both monitor our wild bird populations and develop strategies for conservation action. Juvenile female Yellow-breasted Chat. Notice the yellow gape in the corner of her bill.

Layed out on the table where birds were being examined and banded were scientific handbooks and charts specifying the detailed clues for aging and sexing each bird species, as well as, the appropriate band size for their legs, often different for male and female. Once captured, the birds are held in cloth bags that help to calm them while they wait their turn. Two people examine birds while two more team members record data. And along with these four people the rest of the team, like clock-work, checks the twelve nets at designated times to collect new captures.
Next post: How the birds are aged and sexed and where the data goes.

15 comments:

  1. Quite a complex procedure and study. I still would not like to be the gird in the bag although I realise that such studies are necessary.

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  2. Wow! A work of love! Thanks so much for your beautiful pics and for sharing this adventure!

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  3. Fascinating post. I am really enjoying your posts on birds. They remind me of all the birdwatching I did in Ohio before I moved to the UK.

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  4. What a nice blog about our project, Vickie! Thanks! - Patty

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  5. I've watched bird banding a few times. The chance for close looks at a bird in hand is just so special. I am totally fascinated at your photo of the bottoms of the buntings feet. I've never seen that view!!

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  6. I have watched bird banding too and love to become part of the action.

    Awesome series of photos Vickie!

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  7. Vickie how great it is that you are getting a chance to band birds. Awesome.

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  8. Enjoyed the photos with all the sharpness & detail. I once helped a hawk bander, but he moved away. Haven't gotten connected with a bird bander in the area, but to do so - maybe next year. It's a fascinating undertaking. You are very fortunate!

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  9. Not everyone gets the opportunity to watch, learn, and photograph (in great detail) bird banding. Great job, Vickie.

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  10. This is so interesting to see and learn about! I would love to be able to see the birds this close and be able to examine the details of their face and feathers!

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  11. I've helped set up mist nets for sparrow banding in desert grasslands. It is fascinating to see the birds close-up. I love the color on that Indigo Bunting.

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  12. Nice post Vickie! I am with Lynne..the bottom of the Buntings feet are very cool!
    Great photos..
    look forward to your second installment!
    Thank u so much for your kind comment about my NBN interview! :)

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  13. I love the bird banding series Vickie. These folks are so patient and meticulous. What a rare opportunity to see the birds close up too!

    The photos of the Indigo Bunting are incredible and the close-up of the Yellow-breasted Chat exceptional!

    I hope to find time to participate in a banding with my friend here in California next spring. These dedicated folks can always use extra bodies to help out.

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  14. It sure looks very absorbing. Your Indigo Bunting reminded me of a dragonfly here named Indigo Dropwing!

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  15. Wow, very interesting! Thank you for these pictures. I loved seeing the Indigo Buntings feet pads. I've awarded your blog an "I Love This Blog" Award. Stop by to check it out. :)

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Your Uncapped Creativity...

Your Uncapped Creativity...
"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action; and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. You must keep that channel open. It is not for you to determine how good it is, nor how valuable. Nor how it compares with other expressions. It is for you to keep it yours, clearly and directly." ----the great dancer, Martha Graham