The cardinals were all hatch-year birds; born this summer. All of them were in the same net at the same time. One appeared to be a bit older and it was actually one of the ones we banded last week. The other two were quite young. They were molting body, tail, and wing feathers but not many yet. At one point Nancy Price was holding one in each hand - a hard thing to do and not get bitten.
Just to have a photo I am showing this Painted Bunting that returned to one of our banding locations. All of this season's adventures and more information on these birds are on the Page called Painted Buntings - Season 3. (Look near the upper right) Can you see the bands? This one is dark blue over yellow on the right. I have also made a new page called Encouraging Painted Buntings as we get requests for this a lot. On the page is a copy of a handout we use at talks and plans for an enclosed bunting feeder that Painteds really like.
Painted Bunting
Photo by Vicki Rogerson
Next banding will be Tuesday, September 8. Nets go up at 6:30 am. Weather permitting.
It was very exciting to have my first two Painted
ReplyDeleteBuntings return this year from the group of 8 that were banded back in April. I will be watching to see the other six, and I hope they have told all their friends to visit.