Banding birds for identification purposes under permit. NOTE the syringe is glue for plastic bands. This does not harm the birds and has been done for almost every individual since the 1930's. Rangers are experienced and well trained, bands are not tight fitting on the leg.
Exciting times for the Royal Albatross Colony team as this seasons juvenile Albatross start returning after 4-10 years away at sea. Lyndon and Colin, Department of Conservation Rangers band Red Lime Red, a male, who has returned back for the first time since fledging (around 6 years). RLR is about 7 years old and has come back to Taiaroa Head to start to find a mate and breed at the only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Colony in the world here in Dunedin New Zealand.
They also banded another first time returning bird. A female, possibly around the same age, colour band - Red, Lime, Yellow (RLY)