Campbell Flats in Norwich, VT is a beautiful area and a great spot for birds. Chris Rimmer and Jason Hill of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies held a bird banding demonstration there yesterday. To quote part of an email from Chris, “Banding is a time-honored avian research technique, in which small birds are harmlessly captured in fine nylon nets, fitted with uniquely-numbered leg bands, measured and weighed, their age and sex determined, and released. It is a fantastic way for anyone to experience the wonder of birds up close and to learn details of their biology and natural history. Parents are encouraged to bring kids to this. Seeing birds in the hand is wonderfully eye-opening, and releasing them makes for a memorable experience.” That accurately described the event.
Even before people arrived Chris and Jason had captured a rarity, a beautiful Canada Warbler. It was no doubt heading to the far north although there is a local “hot spot” for Canada Warblers just across the river in Canaan, NH. To celebrate this beautiful species, I posted some photos of Canada Warblers taken in the Upper Valley of NH.
After parents and kids arrived Chris displayed this tiny bird, banded it, checked its wings for wear, took some measurement like weight (less than 10 grams) and feather length, and handed it to a young girl with a very colorful jacket to release.
Next up was a colorful American Goldfinch. Chris carefully removed it from the mist net so it could be photographed.
Chris was very pleased to get another rarity, a Lincoln’s Sparrow. It looks like a tiny Song Sparrow. It summers north of the Upper Valley.
Jason discussed its characteristics.
When it came time to release this bird it did not want to leave a warm hand.
Chris carefully freed a Black-capped Chickadee from the mist net. He let others photograph it before it was banded. Jason helped a young boy hold it in his hands for release.
A Willow Flycatcher visited the nets. Below you see Chris blowing on it to check breeding condition and then handing it off for release. This bird also liked to stay safe in the warm hands of a young boy.
A Song Sparrow was banded by Chris. It showed its appreciation by biting his hand. So he decided it was time to release this common and feisty bird.
Meanwhile some actual bird watching was happening.
Jason helped a young boy hold his fingers just right as his father looked on encouragingly.
The boy released the bird, an experience he may remember all his life.
Chris helped another boy with a Common Yellowthroat.
Thanks to Chris for another community service.
