H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

You read on my post that I had contacted Atlanta Audubon Society via email, today’s post will show the way of how this issue transpired… You get your own opinion!

– I wrote an email reporting the presence of a Red-crested Cardinal in my backyard in Hiram, Ga. described a few things and attached a nice photograph which  showed clearly the red band on the bird’s leg. Please read the Audubon reply next:

Hi HJ,

Thank you for the report. We have received similar notes regarding Red-crested Cardinals. In most cases they are released pets, which may explain the band as well. I’ve copied the GA IBA coordinator who may be able to speak to the color band.

Atlanta Audubon does not process bird reports itself. We encourage people to suit sightings to http://www.ebird.org.

Thank you,
Nikki

– Soon after I received an email from the GA IBA coordinator, read next:

Hi,

I am actually concerned about the number of reports of these guys.  As neat as they are, I hope they do not become established.  The band was used to ID the individual when it was captive.

Charlie

– I replied his email with a few pertinent questions, read next:

Hi Charlie,

Thank you very much for the information about the Red-crested Cardinal that I photographed in my backyard. Why is it that you hope they don’t become established in the mainland.however, they were introduced to Puerto Rico and Hawaii?

What make you think that have been banded locally and not in some other Country? Were all the reports you mention of birds with the same color band? Or were not banded at all.

I’m sorry to be so inquisitive about this matter, I’d like to get to the bottom of this rare occurrence. Who would release a bunch of banded precious birds?

I’d appreciate it very much if you could answer my questions.

Sincerely,

H.J. Ruiz

Avian101.wordpress.com

– Read what his response was next:

 Hi Henry,

Anytime exotic species become established, it is always to the detriment of native species.  While this is a really cool bird, it is more important that our natives are able to survive.

 Banders do not typically apply just plastic bands without numbered metal bands to wild birds.  That is typically done for captive birds.  Most likely, an aviary was damaged, allowing several birds to escape.

Cheers,

Charlie

– I wasn’t very impressed with his reply or the way they all handled this matter.  My disappointment with these societies has grown considerably.

As a person that gives a lot of his time to the welfare of birds I felt that I had to make a report and I did.  My job is done!

Red-crested Cardinal