Not much banding this year - Have been on Holiday

 There hasn't been much banding going on so far in 2023. I have been away for most of it and am away again next week. There were some interesting rehab birds that I did band last week. Eight Little Owls were waiting for me when I got back from our holiday and were duly given their bling as was a Bellbird. The most interesting was a Crested Grebe which was a first for me. Its legs and feet are weird close up and the band has to be adapted to fit. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos which is a pity. 

The Bellbird back in its cage with its bling

The Crested Grebe sitting in its's pond on a Lily pad

One of the Little Owls getting ready to go back into the Aviary.

There were another 4 little Fantails in a nest at Jan's that were also banded. This makes 10 that this pair have raised, broods of 2, 4 & 4. Also managed to band the male of the pair.

Jan with one of her little Fantails

The 4 babies' ready to go back into their nest. 

We did set the Harrier traps on Friday but were completely unsuccessful with very few birds even seen. We were also disappointed when we checked out a report of a Harrier nest in a paddock of barley that had been harvested. It had 2 large chicks in it when it was found but by the time we got there it was empty.

The empty Harrier nest.