When I heard we’d Bird by Butt and watch bird banding on Monday, I could hardly contain my curious self. First bird banding! First Indigo Bunting! Will someone pinch me?
Lincoln Sparrow. Lifer!
I remember one of Bill’s first statements that morning:
I remember one of Bill’s first statements that morning:
Don’t take this science personally. Meaning, the birds are alright.
Hold them firmly but delicately. See? There’s no struggle, no stress.
Our day at the Meadows was a sunny, social one of meeting festival participants from around the country. I knew some familiar names and finally made the connections. Have I said how much fun I had? And how well we were cared for and fed at Opossum Creek Retreat? The accommodations were ideal and the meals were homemade and absolutely delicious.
Hi, Lynne! Lynne (Hasty Brook) reduced me to tears of laughter, anywhere, anyhow - all week.
Female Eastern Towhee
Elegant, I think. I don’t see the females very often.
White-throated Sparrow
Female green gem weighs less than a nickle.
Nina (Nature Remains) watched intently while Tim (From the Faraway, Nearby) watched for his next photo opportunity. Both are artistic photographers.
I was impressed with the ease in which Bill handled the delicate hummingbird. It would have been a complete disaster for an untrained handler.
Mission accomplished.
Later that day, Nina and I returned to the Meadows to see another hummingbird caught up in the mist net. I tried to concentrate on the science and remain matter-of-fact. It was very difficult this time.
In the hands of the bander, Hummer made an unfamiliar sound.
In the hands of the bander, Hummer made an unfamiliar sound.
I had never heard a hummingbird in distress.
Or cry?
Nina and I looked at each other and turned away.
We had enough of banding that day.
Oh, I have so much more to share of New River and beautiful people. Stay tuned.
41 comments:
Mary - a great picture of our day. I love the photos of the indigo bunting; that blue really pops!
Like Bill said, the birds are okay. But it's hard to look at them sometimes while they are in hand....I got used to it just because I've been involved in so many bandings. The birds forget.
And think of all the data this project is creating!
Now. You must go to my blog this instant. Photos of two certain bloggers in the hot tub.
Go now.
: )
That was such a fun day- so relaxed. You crack me up!
Mary,
Looks like you all had a spectacular time..
I am having fun reading everyone's stories.
Great photos!
I had no idea they banded Hummingbirds! Well you know I'll be looking from now on .... checking those little legs constantly.
The Indigo Bunting is to die for! What a beautiful, radiant bird! Sorry to hear there was so much rain though : (
Sharon
OMG . . . I am soo glad for everyone! Looked like so much fun and Bill is a great banding! Love the photos! Welcome to my world!
Oh Mary!!! Beautiful pictures of the Indigo, knock your eyes out blue, what a beautiful shade of blue! Your pictures are to die for, just great.
I'll bet you had a great time didn't you?
Tom,
Come to West Virginia next spring!!!!!
Looks like you all had a great time. Marvelous photos, love the Female Eastern Towhee!
Oh, I bet you were just in bird heaven.
I am always struck with how the birds have open beaks--as if to say--what do you think you are doing?!?
Did you hold your breath when the hummer was being banded?
Donna, I don't remember. I was completely in another world watching that...
Strolling through all of the blogs of people that were at the Feastival has made me feel like I was there...almost. Great pictures Mary. I will look forward to seeing all you care to share.
What a great experience. I would love to see bird banding like this sometime. I have seen Trumpeter swans banded, but they weren't quite so delicate. It was the bander who was at greater risk of injury
Such mixed feelings: amazing to see the birds so still and so close up, a dream to handle them and feel how light they are, scary to think that they are frightened (even if they don't remember it later).
All captured beautifully in your words and pictures. Thank you so much for sharing all this!
I've never seen banding, but it looks really fun. That female Towhee is one of my faves.
Each bird photo is brilliant! I'm so jealous. You got to bird before the rain!
Gorgeous photography, Mary. Your Fuji rocks!
I have heard that thin little eeeee that hummingbirds in peril (in the hand) give, and it always undoes me completely.
You notice that I was never present for banding--I can't be there; I empathize too strongly with the birds. I know that sounds weird from a Science Chimp but it gets me somewhere down deep to see them brought to earth and handled like that.
What beautiful pics! You must have had a wonderful time. Looks that way! I can't imagine holding a hummer. They're so fragile. But, I'd love to visit Costa Rica and see more hummers too!
I've been thinking about you and wondering how your trip went. The indigo bunting is so beautiful! I look forward to hearing more!
I really want to try banding just because I'd love to hold a bird in my hands... but yeah, i'm sure my stomach would be in knots as they are in the nets.
how tiny must those hummingbird bands be? Oh goodness, you all had such a great time. It is fun for the rest of us to read about it from all of your perspectives.
So very cool to see!
I loved watching the banding process, but I had a hard time following Bill's instructions to not take it personally. The close-up looks at those feathers though made it impossible to turn away. Gorgeous pix, Mary.
Beth
The indigo bunting...oh, my!!!!
Just the picture gives me chills.
The hummingbird cry? Tears in my eyes just reading about it.
Oh, Mary...thank you.
Beautiful pictures Mary. I almost didn't recognize Lynne without the pink hat.
Beautiful photos Mary! I agree with JZ - I just had to walk away.
Wow Mary! Sounds like such a Wonderful time!!!!!!
Indigo Bunting - WOW! What a beautiful bird - I've always wanted to see one in person. I would have a tough time with the banding, too.
I have indigo buntings at our feeder but would love to see one up close like that.
I am looking forward to seeing more photos of your great trip.
What a great day. I'm so glad the bird banding happened before the rain arrived. Your photos are magnificent, Mary. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us. I'm looking forward to more reports from you and the others in the "flock."
Thank you thank you, Mary, for such wonderful closeups of the birds' colors and textures and faces and toes... wonderful!
Such a neat experience Mary. Love the pictures. The hummingbird picture at the end is kind of a bummer though. Glad it was set free as all birds should be.
Mary, these are wonderful photos. I saw the bunting on your flickr page, and had to come look. What was you favorite, or most special photo capture?
Mary,
Just love that blue on that bunting. Your pictures of it are wonderful.
Looks like everyone really enjoyed meeting and hanging out..
so glad you had such a wonderful time!
I am enjoying this so much. I love the Towhee...so pretty.
Those are great photos Mare! Looks like you and Fuji are getting along just fine.
Mary, Zick, and all:
"Don't get emotionally involved. We are SCIENTISTS."
I dunno, it's kinda hard when you see a tiny mote of feathers, more air than bird, entangled in the mesh of the mist nets.
Still, when would you ever see hummingbird feet if not for banding?
Mary, you nailed that Indigo Bunting! Wasn't he da bomb? Too blue for words.
~Kathi
The birds are, or are not, okay...depending on the species...but if I tell a friend, and you tell a friend, and so on and so on...at some point maybe, someone will get the point, and pass it on...and so on, and so on...
I know I'll remember certain parts of the WV week more easily than others-the banding will be one.
Such a rare opportunity to see these wonders up close--and amazing to me how much data was collected on each.
The little ones at my feeders now--I immediately feel I know just a little bit better.
Wonderful post and photos. Certainly shows the two sides of banding--the kindness in skill and science and the tugs to the heart strings! I'm enjoying all the fun everyone had learning, birding and flocking as bloggers!
Ah, Mary, I am just getting started with blogging about the whole thing myself. Nice series of photos here. I can't wait to hear and see more!
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