Leg ID Tags Needed to Keep Track of the Birds’ Migration
06/06/2016
Tom French of the state’s Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and his team will be coming to campus Wednesday morning to band the three chicks at Fox Hall. The baby falcons will be approximately three weeks old at the time.
The leg ID bands, which are made of aluminum with unique color and alphanumeric codes, will help researchers keep track of the youngsters as they fledge the nest and migrate to find their own territories and mates. The bands will also assist in tracing the falcons’ family history as well as studying the raptors’ population.
The banding is scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and noon. In the live video stream, you’ll see French open the nest box’s side door and carefully grab the chicks one by one. Of course, Merri and Chris will be there, trying to ward off the “intruder.” The chicks will then be taken inside the building to be banded and given a quick checkup. Afterward, the chicks will be returned to the nest box safe and sound.
Stay tuned for more updates and follow the Falcons on Twitter @UMLHawkwatch.