The title is just a jape, we did not bait any birds!! but rather banded them as trained biologists at a permitted research station. 

As described in prior bird posts, this hold is called "bander's grip" and secures their wings for their safety while letting the biologist place a leg band, take measurements, assess molt, etc. 

Polish:

2x Mermaid Bait, Mooncat - this is 8 days of wear

2x I'm Dast QDTC, BKL (2nd layer applied after a few days)

Curse Mooncat for their ridiculous prices but MB is sooo fun and shifty!

Birds:

1 - song sparrow. A basic bird but a cutie patoot. 

2 - chestnut-backed chickadee. If you watch chickadees feeding you can see them in all kinds of acrobatic positions, dangling upside down to check every last nook for small insects. That requires long, sharp little talons, and they'll use them against biologists too lol

3 - black phoebe. This bird is a flycatcher, and tends to have a few preferred perches they hunt from repeatedly. Flycatcher jaunts to catch insects are called "sallys" or "sallying forth" :)

4 - common yellowthroat. The only species pictured here that shows clear sexual dimorphism - males have a black mask over their eyes like little robbers. Females like this one have a more muted yellow to their namesake throat.

5 - Western flycatcher. Flycatchers have wide bases to their bills that help them catch insects in flight. WEFLs often clack their bills while being processed and the shape leads to a delightful snapping sound.

Bird Bait