John Fraser
Well-known member
Yesterday my three sons and I got to go along on a morning of duck banding. Three men from the NYSDEC, the USFWS, and Cornell University took a group of about 9 of us along to check their duck traps on Cayuga Lake. Their work is part of a black duck study. They will also band mallards on days when their black duck workload is light.
Here are some of the subjects after being removed from a trap.
All of the black ducks that were caught had already been banded. We did get to see how they age and sex the ducks. Then everyone got a chance to release ducks.
After a few stops to check traps the boys did spend some time playing around on the lake shore. Even did a little stonework to support the one corner of this crate.
At the last spot we were given the opportunity to band some mallards. Ben and I each got to age a drake and place a band on them before releasing them.
It was a great experience for us. I really appreciate the work these guys do and their willingness to share it with the public.
Here are some of the subjects after being removed from a trap.
All of the black ducks that were caught had already been banded. We did get to see how they age and sex the ducks. Then everyone got a chance to release ducks.
After a few stops to check traps the boys did spend some time playing around on the lake shore. Even did a little stonework to support the one corner of this crate.
At the last spot we were given the opportunity to band some mallards. Ben and I each got to age a drake and place a band on them before releasing them.
It was a great experience for us. I really appreciate the work these guys do and their willingness to share it with the public.