today's time for boat projects went to the birds

I spent the day today banding Royal and Sandwich Terns at the north end of Core Sound on Wainwright Island. We have participated in this project in the past and are always eager for the opportunity.

Aluminum bands are attached to the juvenile birds before they are able to fly.  The process involves setting up an impoundment pen and herding in the young birds into the pen.

Next, groups of less and 200 birds are then herded into a smaller  pen where the species are separated.  Once identified the appropriate band is attached to the birds right leg.

Today 12 volunteers banded 3000 Royal Terns and 400 Sandwich Terns.  Each band has a unique number.  If you ever find a dead or injured bird with a band on it's leg, then please record the number and report it via www.reportband.gov. 

More images from the day are available via my picasa web album - banding birds in the OBX 2011. Tomorrow we will be banding pelicans!