Four mist nets were set at intervals about the property. Mist nets are tools of the trade for migratory bird study. They have been described by Scott Weidensaul in his book as "…an old-fashioned lady's hairnet that is forty feet long and seven feet high and strung between metal poles. The net has four or five baggy horizontal panels of nearly invisible black cotton mesh running its length. When a bird hits the net it falls into the bag, where it is harmlessly restrained." (Scott Weidensaul's book is titled Living on the Wind Across the Hemisphere With Migratory Birds.

Within just a few minutes three white-throated sparrows were caught. Dr. Applegate gently untangled a tiny bird and cradled it securely in one hand. The bright yellow feathers near the corners of each eye were striking. It was breeding plumage for this particular species.

Our host generously shared his many years of knowledge and expertise with us as he showed OWL members the birds' distinct markings. He discussed particular habitats, behaviors and the shape of beaks that indicated whether a species was geared towards eating seeds or insects.

Our little sparrow quickly calmed as a very small identifying metal band was secured around one leg. The bands, which are stored in bundles of 100 until one is used to band a bird, are engraved with numbers and must be used in a prescribed order. Dr. Applegate had them sorted from small to large, in numerical order, on an array of shower curtain hooks and diaper pins clipped to his field pouch.

Specialized pliers are used to apply the bands. It is designed to hold only those tiny little bands and fit perfectly around the bird's leg before crimping is completed. The band must be secured loosely around the leg. No rough or pointy edges may be exposed that could harm the bird. It is imperative that the band number be recorded along with the date it was applied to the bird, the species of bird and gender (if known).

NJ OWL members record data about each bird that was banded.

After our introduction to bird banding, Dr. Applegate challenged us to test our skills by single-handedly holding, banding, and simultaneously recording data as if we were seasoned wildlife biologists working alone in the Alaskan wilderness. Admittedly, I required another pair of hands to do the job correctly while taking extra care not to hurt any birds.

After we folded up the nets it was time for bird watching! Mourning doves nested in evergreens right at our eye level. We saw a male eastern bluebird - a brilliant shade of blue! - while he sat atop a nest box while his mate, in a more subdued blue suit, delivered nesting material in which to lay their eggs. Dr. Applegate was overjoyed by the prospect of resident bluebird chicks this coming spring.