The Gift -- It Was More Than a Birding Trip

Black-capped Vireo (photo by Hunter Yarbrough)

The invitation arrived not long after a bird banding in July at Fort Hood.* Would some of our fellow naturalists/citizen scientists** want to return with us for another bird banding? DH and I were already planning to get back for a Christmas bird count (and any other bird trip we could find). We knew we would have others ready to go as well. The sign-up list was full almost as soon as the notice went out. September couldn't get here fast enough.

Mid-September is the end of the banding season for Black-capped Vireos. They will soon be heading south for the winter. It is definitely the last banding in the immediate vicinity of today's event because a controlled burn is scheduled for the coming week.***

Dr. David Cimprich, Field Biologist

The team of biologists, lead by Dr. David Cimprich, was much smaller today than in June because the seasonal crew is gone. Rounding out today's team were Scott Summers, Nick Glover, and Wendy Deptula (Wendy is part of the seasonal crew who came back today to help-out and bring a guest).

Our group of naturalists was smaller as well which allowed for more interaction and the opportunity to ask more questions. [I suspect it is similar to when I've led hikes - a smaller group is usually more satisfying for everyone. We aren't tripping over each other and we can establish communication much more readily. I'll bet it is easier on the birds, as well - less movement and noise, if nothing else.] Whatever the case, it was a very personal experience.

Wendy and Nick process a bird.

This team has a precise and organized process for banding. The mist nets are set and monitored. Birds are brought to the tables in small bags. Team members examine, identify, measure, weigh, band, and record data. They are a proficient, professional, and efficient bunch. 

DH, Scott Summers (who helped coordinate with us - a super host) and Dr. Cimprich

Throughout the process the "civilians" are engaged, walking step-by-step along with the team. Questions are answered. Birds are released.

But something else is happening here - it is beyond the "show and tell" title they use. Dr. Cimprich clearly loves his work and takes humble delight in sharing it with birders of all ages and skill levels.****  Each member of his team has that same enthusiasm, that spark of joy (I don't know how else to describe it). 

They are a calm bunch - not emotional, but confident. And every now and then one could see a small smile appear on the face of a team member as a participant registered awe in holding and releasing of a bird, or "got" a concept that was being explained, or jotted down notes about something new.  And there was something in their eyes - a flash of recognition and that smiley-squint of satisfaction. Then, with a nod, we were on to the next thing.

The team's respect for the birds and concern for their well-being was clear and paramount  (concern about and efforts to avoid stressing the birds was discussed repeatedly). Their ability to complete the technical tasks while answering questions/demonstrating techniques/sharing their knowledge with a rag-tag bunch of strangers strikes me as pretty special. 

Once needle nose pliers, these now crimp a metal band "just enough."

Dr. Cimprich patiently explained detailed bird anatomy - among other things there was talk of color patterns, bird fingers, and the role of different feathers in flight. "What else can I show you?" Cimprich asked aloud - as much to himself as to the group. He demonstrated the tools of banding - many fabricated "from something else" for this specialized use (imagine that - scientists "making do"). Occasionally a detail would seem to delight him and we were delighted in turn - to be party to that moment. 

 

Over and over different members of the team patiently demonstrated the correct "hold"***** and technique for releasing the birds safely and then watched while someone released one of these tiny wild creatures back into the air.

I struggle for the right words to describe these few hours. But it was a gift. It was a gift to observe these scientists do their work with such love and attention and to experience their generosity as they shared this morning with us. It was a gift to see our fellow naturalists experience the banding and broaden their knowledge. How lucky are we.

Bird Banders' bible

NOTES: 

*https://walkinthepark-padimus.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-band-of-birders-go-bird-banding.html

**Good Water Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists - https://txmn.org/goodwater/ [DH and I especially enjoyed attending with such a diverse group - good friends, new birders, experienced birders, some folks who have volunteered with us in the past, people who have led us on birding hikes, a Junior Master Naturalist, and some members who were new to us. It was a great group.]

***Explanation of controlled burning - https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/dbnf/home/?cid=stelprdb5281464

****Our group included new birders and experienced birders. There were people present who are experienced in bird banding, some who lead bird watching expeditions, and some who are "just learning the ropes." All were welcomed.

*****A comment on the "hold" shown in many of the photos: It is a banders' grip and it is the best and safest grip for working with small to medium sized birds. Additional information can be found in the Mist Netters Safety Handbook  https://www.birdpop.org/docs/pubs/Smith_et_al_1997_Mist_Netters_Bird_Safety_Handbook.pdf  and The North American Banders' Study Guide http://anilhagemdeaves.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/7/6/2776574/namstudyguide.pdf 

We caught a couple of Northern Cardinals. They were molting and looking a bit rough.

FINAL NOTE: 

Special thanks to the team - David, Scott, Nick, and Wendy. You rock!