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Dont know anything about Majesty, but re Violet's leg band/injury, had to chime in. Have to say having had experience w USFWS banding practices, valuable info is gained from banding though somewhat invasive due to having to "handle" a wild creature. Much has been learned to help raptor conservation through banding, since now even the cams can read the bands when zoomed in. (PTZ cams) And one day there may be no need for banding, but we are not there yet. Way back in Dec or Oct 2010 I remember seeing a photo of Violets leg on Lincoln Karim's site for PaleMale. He of course has that canon size camera and lens, and had a blown up image of her leg with the band on it. Though he usually directs his comments towards the bander, who I know to be an excellent bander for 30 yrs, I myself noticed that below the band where it was swollen, what appeared to be a puncture dot. There are instances where raptors have been bitten by a snake they had caught that was still alive, as well as creatures alive that have bitten the raptor on the foot or leg before being dispatched. Though not poisonous, the bite causes an infection that causes the area to swell, pushing the band further up, where it would then be too tight, painful, and cause further problems. And of course, that happening, is a freak occurence of nature. I really feel this is what has happened to Violet, and would still like to see her caught and have the problem fixed. Just wanted to throw this out there in defense of USFWS and the folks banding, who are very precise, and do not just "wing it" when it comes to size of band, and tightness, etc. These folks are trying to help the raptors by gaining knowledge, and take great care not to do any harm. Just my thoughts being thrown out there for consideration. THANKS for the posts and video, it was great seeing Violet and Bobby on the nest, nice closure for the season, and knowing Pip is soaring free
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