Bird Banding at Allegany State Park
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (juvenile)
By: Pat Coate
Enjoyed spending a recent Saturday morning at Tom’s bird banding station in Allegany State Park. It is always fun to be able to see the birds so closely – and to really examine the features that often only seem to exist in field guides!
This second year yellow-bellied sapsucker was a bit unusual because it has not started showing any red on its head (or throat if it is male).
Tom’s bird banding is part of the Institute of Bird Population’s MAPS program. MAPS stands for Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship. Analysis of the data Tom and other bird-banders collect “provides critical information relating to the ecology, conservation, and management of North American landbird populations, and the factors responsible for changes in their populations.” (Source: http://www.birdpop.org/maps.htm).
Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing
Cedar waxwings usually have yellow tips on their tails. Tom pointed out that this bird had orange tips on its tail due to a recent diet of honeysuckle berries.
Common Yellowthroat Warbler (male)
Yellow Warbler
These last two pictures were taken on a different day in the general vicinity of the banding station. You can notice Tom’s handiwork on both of these warblers (look closely for bands).
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Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Hi, Pat. I’d like to participate in a banding program one day. You’ve taken some great photos!! How excited I would be to spot a banded bird!! ~karen
14 July 2011 at 11:39 am
i had no idea what those juveniles look like. very cool
15 July 2011 at 12:02 am