In an effort to determine where Piping Plovers wintering in The Bahamas are staging during migration and breeding, 57 birds were uniquely colour-marked this winter.
The project was done for Environment Canada by Sidney Maddock and Peter Doherty, with help from The Bahamas National Trust. Each bird has a black flag (band with a tab sticking out slightly) on the upper left leg, nothing on the upper right.
A single colour band is on one lower leg, and two colour bands (which can be the same colour on top of each other) on the other lower leg. Colours used included red, orange, yellow, white, light green, dark green, dark blue, and black.
Please report all sightings to Cheri Gratto-Trevor, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, at cheri.gratto-trevor@ec.gc.ca
Please note the colour and location of each band on the bird, the location and behaviour of the bird (on nest or brood, foraging at migratory stop-over, etc.), the presumed sex of the bird (if possible), and information about how many birds at specific locations were examined for bands.
Source: Bird Studies Canada
See Also:
A DC Birding Blog: Update on the Bahamas Piping Plovers
CVWO First Landings Blog: First Bahamas Piping Plover Re-sighted!
Hello!
I found a banded Piping Plover “Polly” in Long Island! I hear she is back in the Bahamas right where she was banded! I have to say, Polly remained after the chicks were born right up until they were able to fly. It appeared they all fledged at the same time! Unlikely for the female to do so according to documentation — but that’s Polly!
I can’t wait to see her this spring! I assume her arrival will be in the second week of March (if she does what she did last year).
I’ll keep Cheri posted of course!
Good luck!
My goodness, that little bird certainly has a lot of bling!
Thank you for this information Pat! I will keep a lookout on Goose Rocks Beach for any banded birds.