erin

So interesting how you have these study methods . . Two questions: I imagine you have to use the gear that tree trimmers do to get to the tallest part of the tallest tree where the nest and babies are, and handle the babies and put tags and bands that are strange to them.    Why does that not spook the parents and make them leave the nest?  You always hear that birds and animals will abandon young ones if you scare them or make too much of a ruckus near their nests. If humans need to use a blood test to tell the gender of the birds, how do the birds know who is male and female?    I have often wondered this because I have parakeets at home, one type (budgie) I have a male and female you can sort of tell by the color of their nose but the other (parrotlet) you are supposed to give them a dna test to tell.   Two of them squabble and the other one so I assume it's the boys arguing over the girl.