NJ OWL Shorebird Banding Trip, May 2001

NJ Outdoor Women's League
Shorebird BandingTrip
May, 2001

On May 24, 2001, seven NJ OWL members enthusiastically participated in a shorebird banding project at Reed's Beach in Cape May County along Delaware Bay. The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, in conjunction with an international team of scientists, needs assistance each May capturing and processing migratory shorebirds.

The banded birds are becoming a key asset to biologists on the team to help develop population estimates and movements of birds while on the bay. Working alongside these folks and being included in this significant study was an exceptionally fulfilling experience.

NOTE: You can check out the expeditions that members of the Division of Fish & Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program made to the Canadian Arctic in search of nesting red knots on the Division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm. You can read passages from field journals and click on images to see what it's like in the far north - and learn what's going on with the red knots (and polar bears!).

Clive Minton, Ph.D., of Australia, leader of the shorebird banding program.

OWL banding crew
The OWL shorebird banding crew with Elissa Director (2nd from right), ENSP's Volunteer Coordinator.

Distinguishing molts
A member of the banding team shows Diane and Barbara
how to distinguish molts on a red knot.

Diane with horseshoe crab
Diane checks out a tagged horseshoe crab.

Shorebirds feed on horseshoe crab eggs (the small greenish spheres)
while trying to double their weight during their time in New Jersey.

Setting up groups
Setting up in small groups to process birds.

Setting up net in distance
Members set up a rocket net in the distance.

Dash to net
The mad dash to the net, seconds after it has been shot.

Birds under net
Various shorebirds and gulls caught under a rocket net.

Previously banded red knot
Close-up of a captured red knot which was previously banded.

Extracting birds from net
Everyone works quickly to extract the birds from the net.

Diane with ruddy turnstone
Diane relays a ruddy turnstone to the holding pen.

Turnstone at holding pen
Judy prepares to put a ruddy turnstone into a burlap holding pen.

Measuring bill length to determine gender.

Retrieving bird from holding pen
Gloria retrieves a bird from the holding pen for processing.

Processing birds
Judy stands ready with another red knot for processing,
while Diane works at the weigh station.

Releasing a ruddy turnstone
Releasing a banded ruddy turnstone.

Two newly banded red knots.