I was re-reading a Jim Harrison book the other day wherein he noted the incredible lightness of a bird in one's hand. Having banded birds in the past, and having picked up a few dead ones, I know what he means. Yet, for such light-weights ,birds are strong!

Many times I've admired an Osprey (3.5 lbs) hauling what seems like an improbably large fish back to its nest. And many times I've heard the heavy chopping of solid cedar by a Pileated Woodpecker (10 oz) making one of those rectangular holes. Seen at close range some impressively sized wood chips fly off one of these operations - the leftover evidence looking more like the work of a much larger Boy Scout with a hatchet. That takes some power!

Many years ago I banded birds in several spots, mostly at the Palomarin station of Point Reyes Bird Observatory. Several times we caught Sharp-shinned Hawks ( 5 oz ) as they chased smaller birds into the nets. As beginners we were warned " watch the talons !" and one fellow found that out the hard way, when quick as quick, a Sharpie impaled him deeply through the meaty part of his hand like it was butter.

My most memorable banding experience though was in Kalamazoo Michigan when assisting some local bander's .I was removing a Rose-breasted Grosbeak ( 1.6 oz )from the net when it clamped down hard on my thumb. Shocked by the pain and also by the power of that little birds beak I was unable to even utter an expletive as my eyes teared-up. Trying to be tough, I didn't cry, but probably would have felt better if I had. Man did that hurt ! Think vise-grip pliers.

Jeff Gibson
Everett Wa.

P.S. the bird weights I used here are from Sibley. Don't know how accurate they are, probably close though.