g'Day all
In near gale force winds at about 1800 hrs on Tuesday 25 March, at the
western end of Price Saltworks, South Australia, there was a Curlew
Sandpiper in near full breeding plumage, attempting to feed with a mixed
flock of several hundred Red-necked Stint and other Curlew Sandpipers
but this bird was clearly struggling to hold its balance in the windy
conditions because of leg flags; doubled up leg flags on a single tibia
positioned immediately one on top of the other. Unbalanced by the leg
flags, it toppled uncontrollably, constantly pushed about by the gusty
wind. It was experiencing much difficulty attempting to feed, while
other un-flagged birds surrounding it were coping well.
Interestingly, this bird was in a more advanced stage of breeding
plumage than other migrant waders (shorebirds) surrounding it. At this
time of time of year, prior to their imminent departure, pre migrating
waders are feeding actively to build energy reserves and this impediment
was seriously affecting this bird in 25 knot plus windy conditions.
According to their own banding protocols (Asia Pacific Shorebird
Network/AWSG/VORG?) http://www.shorebirdnetwork.org/leg_flags.html , one
flag only is to be placed on the tibia of small waders. Sharing
concerns previously stated on this list about wader leg flagging,
especially multiple flagging, in more than 40 years of observing waders,
this is the first time I have seen double flagging on the same appendage
of a small wader. Is it a new policy; double flagged tibia on small
waders? It leaves me wondering who is actively assessing and
evaluating adverse impacts from banding waders, especially from leg
flagging.
With regret
Ian May
St Helens, Tasmania
Currently at Price SA
Mob: 0428337956
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