Banders Round up

Swanbourne Banding July - August 2011

Banding was almost cancelled due to rain on 16 July 2011. But the weatherman insisted that the rain would clear by sunrise. Fortunately, we trusted him and it paid off.

 The birds started appearing in the nets from the very first round. They were all of the usual suspects but, after the last results of the last few months, we were happy to see them anyway. We did see a small group of Variegated Fairy-wrens but we couldn’t coax them into the nets.

 The Laughing Kookaburra came late in the morning and I’m sure Boyd was glad to see it leave. While Boyd was pointing out the bird’s damaged beak, the Kookaburra took advantage of his outstretched finger. Usually mild mannered, Boyd suddenly became very assertive and left no doubt as to the urgency and level of assistance required. Chris did his strongman impression as he prised open the bird's beak and was lucky not to swap places with Boyd.

 The best part, for me anyway, was that Helen had video recorded the whole episode. Helen’s camera’s battery was almost depleted as we watched the action over and over again. What great memories are to be had while birdbanding!

 Oh, yes, Boyd was fine – apart from the beak impression left in his finger.

 13 August 2011 started with a very warm and sunny morning. Rain was promised for the evening but there was no sign of it while we were waiting for the birds.

 The morning looked promising. The first birds were caught while the nets were still being put up. Our second bird of the morning was a White-cheeked Honeyeater that we banded at our other site in 2009 as a juvenile. She was sporting a very well developed brood patch and it looked like motherhood was suiting her.

 A few birds trickled in but by 9.00am everything had stopped. We could see and hear birds all around but we couldn’t get them to go in the nets.

 However, this allowed us to reminisce about the last 20 years or so of banding at Mt Claremont. For this was to be our last banding session at this spot. Boyd is moving away from Perth and the group no longer has a leader.

It has been great to spend time together each month. To talk about birds, the bush, families and holidays. And it will be missed. But we are starting to feel our age as we clamber through the difficult terrain and all of us have to use the magnifying glass to read the bands. We will pursue more gentle activities in the future (or a less difficult site). But I’m sure that whatever we do, it will involve birds.                                            

Invitation to the members of Swanbourne group to take part in bi annual sessions at Smithbrook. 

Alma