Banded Turnstones

On March 14^th on my visit to Inch Marlow I noted two Ruddy Turnstones.  I did not recognize that they were banded however, until reviewing their photographs at home later.  One bird had a green flag with an ID code while the other only had a metal band.  I registered the one with the flag on the website bandedbirds.org and will try to get a better image of the band on the other bird with the hope of identifying and recording that also. 

Flagged Bird

The code on the Ruddy with the flag was “AUM”. The flag was dark green and was on the upper part of its left leg.  It also had a metal band on its lower right leg.  The records show that this bird was tagged on Kimbles Beach New Jersey, United States on May 5^th, 2014.  It was then recorded at this same location on November 8^th, 2015 before my sighting.

Flagless Bird

The second bird only had a metal band on its right leg. I am not sure if this was intentional or if the tag was lost during its travels.

The reporting of banded birds is important because it gives researchers a better understanding of the critical habitat needs of different species throughout their migratory routes.  Thus allowing for assistance where necessary, to help in the protection of vulnerable species such as shorebirds.  So as you go to the beaches, keep a lookout for these tagged birds.

Earlier Post on Banded Birds 

• A new Banded Sanderling at Six Men’s 
• Tagged Sanderlings