Chapter 1: Introduction to Bird Banding

This narrative unfolds at a wildlife rehabilitation center known as Pomorski Ośrodek Rehabilitacji Dzikich Zwierząt „Ostoja.” To aid Ostoja, you can contribute through this link or that one. Although the websites are in Polish, utilizing the Google Translate browser extension can assist. Alternatively, you may use my PayPal account and indicate “Ostoja” in the wire comment, along with your email, and I will confirm that your donation has been forwarded to Ostoja.

Today, an ornithologist visited Ostoja for the purpose of banding birds. Bird banding, referred to as bird ringing in the UK, involves placing an identifier on the leg of a bird. This identifier is a small metal ring, the size of which varies depending on the species, with a unique serial number etched onto it. The band forms a loop, and when it is tightened around the bird's leg using pliers, it becomes secure yet remains comfortable for the bird.

Counting the gulls to verify our records. Photo by me.

Today, we successfully banded over 30 juvenile seagulls. In our region, yellow-legged gulls, Caspian gulls, and European herring gulls interbreed frequently, making it challenging to ascertain the exact species of the young gulls. Thus, I will simply state, “We’ve banded numerous unidentified gulls.”

Next, we need to complete and organize the necessary documentation—identifying each gull from an internal perspective and noting the ID that was just affixed via the internationally recognized bird banding system. The birds have not yet been released into their natural habitat; we are currently arranging transportation closer to the coast. However, from a technical standpoint, they are now prepared for release and can be identified by ornithologists around the globe.

This video titled "Feeding My Pet Seagull for 169 Days to Gain His Trust" showcases the fascinating journey of building trust with a seagull. It provides insights into the behavior and characteristics of these birds, emphasizing the importance of patience and care in wildlife interactions.

The short documentary "21 Days with a Baby Seagull (Mew Gull)" chronicles the transformation of a seagull from nestling to fledgling. This engaging video captures the early life stages of a seagull, providing a unique perspective on their development and the challenges they face.

Like this narrative? Discover more engaging stories like this on Medium.

Enjoy my bird sounds? Feel free to incorporate them into your own projects.