apparent contravention of the flagging protocol for small waders

["Bruce Roubin" <>]

G'day,

Just a clarfication....

I meant to explain also that the Colour Flagging Protocol calls for smaller shorebirds to have 1 flag attached to the right tibia, and the other to the right tarsus (i.e. below what is sometimes referred to as the "knee" by birders, but of course is actually the ankle).

For any you with tendencies for pedantic comments, I might also point out that when I referred to the orange flag being up in feathers of the "thigh",  what is sometimes described in birding as the "thigh" is actually the shin (tibio-fibula). My point on this was that the orange flag was so high that it was largely concealed by feathers.

 

Regards

Bruce Roubin

-----Original Message-----
From: [ On Behalf Of Bruce Roubin
Sent: Thursday, 4 September 2003 1:27
To:
Cc:
Subject: [BIRDING-AUS] apparent contravention of the flagging protocol for small waders

G'day,

On Sep 2 at the Penrhyn Rd Estuary, Banksmeadow, Botany Bay there were 2 NSW flagged red-necked stints in a flock of 20.

I attempted to report this flagged red-necked stint sighting a couple of times on the AWSG site*, but got  "FrontPage error" on the server.

Of particular interest for open debate, is the apparent contravention of the flagging protocol for small waders - because both birds had the NSW flags (orange over green) attached to the right leg tibia, with the orange flag high up into the feathers of the thigh.

During preening, one bird was vigorously flinging its right leg, and tugging at the flags trying to remove them.

I guess these are new arrivals this season, and were therefore flagged with the new system last season.

This would at least indicate the birds have successfully made the return journey to Siberia in spite of the impediment.

Having said that, it also seems apparent that the bird is still irritated by the double tibia flags after at least 6 months.

 

*AWSG site:

http://www.tasweb.com.au/awsg/index.htm

 

Regards

Bruce Roubin