There was a bander at the ranch for a couple of days, so we got to help trap them, watch the banding process, and release the birds. Very tiny bands! The females get a larger band, because their legs swell (in lieu of a brood patch) when they are on the nest. If the bird is recaptured later, then it can be determined where and when it was banded. This helps scientists learn about migration and how long birds can live.