I was wondering about something, hope one of you long-time watchers may know the answer. I've been watching the chicks preen since banding and none of them seems to be "picking at" his/her bands. To me, this is odd because most critters seem ultra-sensitive to anything foreign on them (for eg., a ribbon around a kitten's neck -- certainly not the same, but the best example I can think of right now). Are the chicks' legs less sensitive, or what?
Its a good question. The bands aren't snug around their ankles, they spin around. And most chicks and adults don't pay much, if any, attention to them. They clean around them when they preen as though they are just another body part. I've always wondered if having two means they are balanced and therefore don't notice them as much, but that is just speculation I'm afraid.
Doesn't really answer your questions, but doesn't seem to be a hard and fast answer ...
