Tucked away on the edge of the Manomet bluff near Stage Point in southeast Massachusetts, Manomet, Inc., formerly the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences operates the Manomet Bird Observatory. For close to 50 years, they have conducted a world renowned migratory bird banding program. My own son's life long love of birds and appreciation of nature was nurtured here.
I had the opportunity to visit again recently with a group from the Plymouth Digital Photographers Club. In this image, a half dozen photographers are huddled around the scientist/bander as he readies a bird for release from the bluff edge property near Stage Point.
Here the bander/scientist is discussing the attributes of this particular species, a Gray Catbird. Each bird captured in the center's mist nets is taken to the laboratory where vital statistics are gathered and entered into the database before release.
The bander also mentions the occupational hazard in having his fingers and cuticles pecked at by the captives - but it's all in the service of science.
Each bird is handled carefully and knowledgeably by these skilled naturalists.
And here, a split second after release to freedom, this one takes to flight.
Different sizes and species like this Blue Jay require slightly different holds but soon......
....they all get to fly free once again!
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