Banding with the boys...

[John Fraser]

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.

 

[Andrew L.]

Sounds like an awesome day John. I am sure for the USFWS guys it can get old doing it day in and day out buy I enjoy it every time I get to do it. Taking the kids ads even more to it.

 

[matty docks]

thats great! I would love too do that...

 

[John L]

John,

Looks like you guys had fun. Do they take your info to let you know if the duck is found again?

 

[John Fraser]

John,
It was fun. But no, I don't think we'll hear back on the ducks we banded. The reporting process sounds a little complicated, with the info going through different offices.

 

[Al Hansen]

Delightful shots, John. I'm so glad that you were able to take your sons with you so that they, too, could have this first hand experience.
Al

 

[MLBob Furia]

Definitely good form on the release! Great way to spend the day.

 

[Dick Sargeant]

John - Your boys will remember that day and the shots of them releasing the birds are the best.
sarge

 

[Steve Steffy]

Very cool John...It's good for the kids to be able to get hands on experience like that. I took my son out goose banding a couple of years ago and he had a blast. Of course, our clothes were covered in "Goose Slime" by the time we were all done. I'd like to get him out to do it again sometime.

Steve

 

[Earnie]

That's great! I'd love to take my twin four year olds on an outing like that!

 

[Luke Berkey]

Great pictures. Looks like they had fun.

 

[John Fraser]

Thanks everyone. It was a good time.

Definitely go if you get the chance.

 

[JayMo]

Thats great.
Does anyone know of any duck and/or goose banding on Long Island?