A return to Bird Banding @ Ruthven Park (pics included)

[Rob'in'To]

We returned to Ruthven Park in Cayuga early this morning for another morning of helping out, watching and learning.

Speaking for myself, I have learned that Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have quite the bite.  I lost count at 12 bites with one male when assisting in retrieving him from the net.  No pics of him though.

The funniest moment is that I got to personally band a Tennessee Warbler (female).  When we were at Pelee a couple weeks back, someone shouted "Tennessee Warbler" near the visitor centre and the place cleared out of about 30+ birders all dashing to the area when he was seen.  I had never seen a Tennessee Warbler before Pelee and now I am holding, banding and getting initial credit (RHM) for this one.





Seeing an Indigo Bunting right up close like this was amazing.  They truly are spectacular birds!



Angie banded a Yellow Warbler this morning who bears her initials in it's ID (ALM).



Three Blackpoll Warblers were caught at one point.  Here are two of them just before being released.



I kinda feel bad for the little buggers in these nets; but it's all for good.

[egret]

oh my
what terrific shots!

A day you will never forget, I bet!

tks for sharing
wish I had been there

Egret

[chiuj]

Thanks for sharing the experience.  I imagine it will be a feeling to hold them up close.

John

[dbellilo]

That's just terrific, and I'm delighted for you. A magnificent experience it is to hold birds in your hand, absolutely. The pictures are great, and thank you for sharing. But Rob, please, next time bite the grosbeak back; it's a legitimate move, don't worry.

[Rob'in'To]

Eye for an eye, tooth for a beak, eh David.  I will keep that in mind the next time.  They welcomed us back for the fall migration and apparently catch the occasional Shrike...  wouldn't that be a thrill.

[dbellilo]

A shrike would be a thrill, but you'd better watch it, he's a BUTCHERBIRD. Hey! Guess what! A red w. bb smacked into my head today and squawked at me! No jokes! No blood either, not that he didn't try!

[ravynne40]

What a wonderful experience, thanks for sharing the story with us
I think its wonderful that there is a bird flying around with Angie's initials!! how cool is that?

If you get the shrike in the fall, wear gloves! hehehe

[Rob'in'To]

An experience every birder should, well, experience.  She's got a Yellow Warbler with her initials and I have a White-throated Sparrow.

And to see them face to face like that...  wow!  And if you get to hold and band one...  indescribable.

I think they banded two Loggerheads last fall.  One season they even ended up with a Coopers Hawk in the nets!

As I mentioned, the freak out in Pelee National Park over the Tennessee Warbler, clearing the picnic area of so many birders...  and days after I am in a little room with one in my hand.  Really funny when I think about it.