Albatross Chick Banding

We started banding albatross chicks today. It is probably the biggest project I will be involved with during my stay on Tern. Six of us learning to band and handle birds banded about 50 chicks in 2 1/2 hours. I'm sure we will get faster but it still is a very big job. There are approximately 3,000 chicks to be banded. The bands need to be very tough to withstand a lifetime at sea that could stretch to 25 years or beyond so the metal is very tough and hard to work. It also requires careful work to keep from injuring the birds. We also need to keep up with all of our normal plot work and the cleaning and cooking. Not a dull moment here.