Hi all After another year of banding Osprey chicks in Branford, there was a great deal of discussion with our licensed bander regarding the possibility of using colored bands with numbering/lettering that would be easier to read in the field, thereby allowing a better way to obtain more data instead of waiting for a bird to die to possibly have a band turned in. It is the desire of our Osprey Observation Team to see if there are other groups who band Osprey chicks - to see if anyone would like to see Ospreys banded with something besides the standard silver metal bands. It is our thought that we could make a better effort to obtain more data than just how many chicks were produced and banded (like tracking movements when they return each year for breeding, for example). This can be done with colored bands that will allow the identifying in the field of individual birds based on the band colors and identification codes stamped on the bands that can be read by either scope or good clear photographs. I have seen a photo of a bald eagle in Arizona sporting such a band and the identification codes are easily read even from a distance. If there are any other groups in Connecticut and surrounding areas that might be interested in participating, or if you can forward my message on to those who might be interested (the more who would want to participate in such an endeavor, the better the push might be with US Fish and Wildlife/DEP) please contact me. We are hoping to put together a proposal to have the use of such bands approved. Donna Lorello Branford Land Trust Osprey Observation Team Member