Learning how birds and monarch butterflies are tracked
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This bird has been caught in a net, weighed, banded with an identifying number, and is about to be let go.
Some birds are also be tagged with a device that will be tracked electronically by a network of antennas.
These devices, though extremely small, are powered by both solar power and a minuscule battery.
This research is conducted at the local branch of the Nature Conservancy. |
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| A migrating monarch butterfly which had just been caught in a butterfly net to be tagged. |
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Measuring the wing size. The skilled tagger also feels the butterfly body to estimate its weight.
This project is sponsored by the New Jersey Audubon Society (link). |
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| A tiny tag with an ID number is affixed to the wing. Perhaps this butterfly will reach its winter home in Mexico and one of the observers there will find its tag. |
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| Near the tagging station was a bush filled with butterflies, including this already-tagged individual. |
Walking Paths, Beaches, and Birds in Cape May
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| Birders are everywhere in Cape May! |
Good Food
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| A blueberry waffle with maple syrup at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. |
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| Strawberry crepes with whipped cream, coffee, and orange juice. |
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Local clams in broth at Lucky Bones Restaurant.
Local seafood includes scallops and flounder, which we’ve also tried. |
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| Burrata and tomato salad at Grana restaurant. |
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| Cape May scallops with Brussels sprouts at Granta. |
Blog post and photos © 2023 mae sander
Oh, yum!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful spot.
I tagged monarchs one year. We just don't get enough of them here lately, though.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteNothing better than a walk on the beach, birdwatching and good food.
Great captures of the warbler, Monarchs, Kingfisher and the duck and geese.
Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Somehow I've missed the tagging events for my naturalist group for the last five years. I've always been curious about how they do the actual tagging.
ReplyDeleteWe looked for a Kingfisher and trumpet vines yesterday when we did a bioblitz for pollinators at one of the nature refuges here along the Gulf Coast. We found the trumpet vines, but we never saw the Kingfisher here.
Lovely photos.
I've never been to Cape May, but it looks gorgeous. And I knew they banded birds but had no idea how they marked butterflies. Thanks for sharing Mae.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a terrific holiday and I don't know which I like best -- the beach, the food or the butterflies. All wonderful!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. The food looks super yummy!
ReplyDeleteI participated in a bird banding project about forty years ago -- no electronic devices back then!
ReplyDeleteYour Cape May trip looks fun.
Tagging a monarch? That must take a deft touch! I'm glad you got to see someone actually doing this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures from the Cape. Sure looks like you're eating well, too -- those scallops and brussels sprouts look delicious!
I only made it to the beach once this summer. You're making me want to go again with your pictures.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post about the measuring and looks like you had some really good meals too. Cape May is a great place to visit and your posts are making me hum the Cape May song. "On The Way To Cape May" .. They play it on the Jersey radio every summer.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you were able to get to Cape May for the Monarchs! I use to go up there on Bird watching tours to see the Monarchs and learned about tagging them at the Nature Center there. Now that I've moved to South Carolina, it is a bit harder to get up there, but loved that area so much.
ReplyDeleteJ was just in New York, but no birds that could be seen, just lots of tourists. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning! I love beaches and birds, too... and who wouldn't love those yummy meals?? One of our daughters loves Cape May, but we've never been. With the summer crowds gone, this must be the perfect time of year to be there.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of the tagging are fascinating. The monarchs! So delicate.
ReplyDeleteTagging butterflies was new to me. It was certainly fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous food you had while at Cape May. You must truly be enjoying yourself.
Such an intersecting process, the tagging of birds and butterflies. I imagine you have to be very careful in tagging butterflies. They are so fragile. The photos are so beautiful and clear--all of them. Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteOh is that a kingfisher???? So cute!
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