Spotted this Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) on a recent visit to Stump Pass Beach State Park, and noticed a leg band. Having seen many Great Blues, but never noticed one to be banded, I sent in a report to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory....hoping to learn more about this bird. No luck, but a nice response from biologist Matt Rogosky.
Marker Ref. ID: 82031 encountered 10/19/2016. NCBD (Marker)
Dear STEVEN SCOTT,
Thank you for reporting a sighting of a bird with auxiliary marker(s) (colored leg band, neck collar, wing tag, etc). Unfortunately, we are unable to return any information on the bird because we have been unsuccessful in finding out who originally banded the bird you have sighted. Therefore, we are unable to provide you with the banding history (age, sex, banding date, banding location, etc) of the bird(s).
Although our office is responsible for issuing the authorizations for these types of markers, it is very common that we cannot match the bird to a bander. There are several possible reasons for this:
1. You may have seen, recorded or reported the codes on the marker incorrectly. Transposing numbers, mistaking number for letters, etc. are common sources of error.
2. The Bird Banding Lab did not receive enough information from the sighting (eg. there was no code/color associa ted with the auxiliary marker from the sighting, species of the bird is unknown).
3. Authorization for the marker was not approved or was not issued by the Bird Banding Laboratory. A bander could be using the marker illegally.
4. Many authorizations for the kind/color of marker sighted for the species has been issued, making it impossible to match it to the original bander.
5. Markers may be faded or discolored from the originally issued marker at the time of sightings making it difficult or impossible to match the sighting to the original bander.
6. The bird may be an escapee from an aviary or another captive facility or was someone's pet.
We realize that it can be difficult at times to view bands/markers on birds and appreciate all efforts to report sightings. If the complete or correct codes should become available, you may resubmit your
sighting.
Your interest, cooperation and patience are appreciated. Again, we regret that we are unable to provide any information at this time.
In this e-mail is your original report submitted to the BBL.
Marker Reference ID: 82031
Type of Marker: Left leg band #1: Pink
Species of Bird: ARDEA HERODIAS
Date bird/band obtained: 10/19/2016
How bird/band was obtained: Sight record: identified by color band, marked plumage or marker other than standard, numbered metal band.
Status of band after obtaining bird: LEFT ON BIRD
Present condition of bird: ALIVE - UNKNOWN
Location where bird/band was obtained:
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida
County/Parish: Charlotte
Nearest Town/Place: Grove City
Distance and direction from the town: 1.4 mi. WSW
Description:
Contact Info:
1. STEVEN SCOTT
26073 ANCUDA DR
PUNTA GORDA, FL 33983 United States
Work Phone:
Home Phone: (941) 625 -0381
Fax:
Email: wabisabifarm@yahoo.com
Remarks: Great Blue Heron with pink leg band. Number 8 on band. Seen alive and in apparent good condition at the south end of Stump Pass Beach State Park on Manasota Key, Englewood, Florida. Photos available.... request at wabisabifarm@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
MATT ROGOSKY, Biologist
Bird Banding Laboratory
USGS PWRC
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4037
Email: cmreports@usgs.gov
I will continue to find out more about this bird's banding...will see if Cornell's Ornithology Lab can help.
Stump Pass Beach State Park is a good spot for shore birds...on a barrier island in Englewood, Florida.
The shifting sands of barrier islands have made the beach walk "wet" during high tide.....but Stump Pass is one of my favorites!
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