I've spent several days this week photographing shorebirds. This is a whole new area for me; until now I've pretty much stuck with waders, raptors and perchers. I've seen bands before, but know nothing about them, or who does them; although, I know generally they are used to track movement.
This is a photo of an American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). It is banded on both legs and has a silvery band on the left leg (underwater in this photo). Can anyone tell me the meaning of the code and color, and the purpose thereof?
Posted by Leann Greene on March 13, 2009 at 7:35 AM
It's bird bling :-) Nice rich colors and good perspective.
Posted by Mac McGlamery on March 13, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Hi Philip,
Some how I have misplaced all my banding information, however, you can search on "bird banding" there is a lot of information. Additionally, contact Ron Smith (email) at:http://www.pinellasbirds.com/ and he should be able to point you towards the specifics on these oystercatchers. Generally banding helps those interested parties in tracking the migration, identification, etc. of specific species. These banders like to hear from photographers on time an location when one of the banded birds is seen. Just helping all their research. Hope this brief information helps.
Discussion
2 repliesThis is a photo of an American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). It is banded on both legs and has a silvery band on the left leg (underwater in this photo). Can anyone tell me the meaning of the code and color, and the purpose thereof?
Some how I have misplaced all my banding information, however, you can search on "bird banding" there is a lot of information. Additionally, contact Ron Smith (email) at:http://www.pinellasbirds.com/ and he should be able to point you towards the specifics on these oystercatchers. Generally banding helps those interested parties in tracking the migration, identification, etc. of specific species. These banders like to hear from photographers on time an location when one of the banded birds is seen. Just helping all their research. Hope this brief information helps.