I began mist netting
in the Transitional Forest along the Arroyito trail which is situated behind
the house and have recently moved into the Cerrado at the NW end of the old
airfield.
A family of birds I
had reservations about when removing them from the nets was the hummingbird.
These delicate birds require extra care and attention which includes carrying a
vile of sugar water with me in case such a bird requires an energy boost once
processed.
To date there have
been two species caught in the nets Glittering-bellied Emerald and Gilded
Sapphire and both have been incredibly easy to take out of the nets. Handling
them has also been easier than I expected after a lesson from Jeremy in the
correct techniques. These birds just wait patiently and certainly do not try to
lance me with their pointed beaks.
As a result I can
marvel at these enchanting tiny creatures with their multitude of hidden
colours when viewed in the hand. I have not had to offer the vile as both
species have been alert on release and have whizzed off moving their wings at
an incredible rate of knots.
The hummingbirds
have joined my short list of favourite family groups after the Owls naturally!
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