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Tree Swallow Banding

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Banding the tree swallow will allow us to track where it will end up in a few years. To band the hatchling we gently lift it from the nest. Tree swallows are large enough to be banded nine days after hatching.

A trained and licensed scientist attaches the band to the bird’s leg with special banding pliers.

The band is gently closed around the leg. Then it is rotated to make sure it is not binding and to double-check the tracking number.

Next, we take measurements of the bird. We measure its wing length and check the progress of the growing feathers. We also weigh it, look for signs of gender and give a general checking over.

All of the measurements are recorded. The information is sent to the Bird Banding Laboratory as part of a large database for research.

The baby is soon placed back in the nest. Mom and Dad will return soon to continue the caring for the little one. Will it be back to nest in this area next year? We will have to wait and see.

Click here to learn more about the procedure of bird banding or what to do when you find a banded bird.

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11711 N. College Ave. | Suite 146 | Carmel, IN 46032
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