How do you learn bird banding?

Bird banding, also known as bird ringing, is the process of capturing wild birds and attaching a small metal or plastic tag to their leg for identification purposes. This allows researchers to track migration patterns, life spans, behavior, and population trends of various bird species. Learning how to properly and safely band birds takes time, patience, and proper training.

What is bird banding?

Bird banding involves capturing wild birds in mist nets or trap cages and attaching a small numbered metal or plastic band around one leg. The band has an identification number that is unique to that individual bird. When a banded bird is recaptured, resighted, or recovered, the band number can be reported back to the bird banding laboratory that issued the band. This allows ornithologists to track that bird’s movements and lifespan. Banding provides valuable insights into avian population dynamics, behavior, survival rates, and migratory patterns.

Why is bird banding done?

There are several important reasons bird banding is done:

• To track migration patterns and routes of birds
• To study avian life spans and survival rates
• To understand population trends over time for various species
• To map dispersal and movements of birds within their breeding and wintering grounds
• To track the spread of diseases among bird populations
• To learn about bird behavior, mate choice, nest site fidelity, and territoriality

By banding a large sample of birds over many years, ornithologists can learn a great deal about avian biology, behavior, and conservation.

What equipment is needed?

Here is some of the basic equipment needed for bird banding:

• Mist nets – fine nylon nets strung between poles used to safely capture birds
• Trap cages – small cages with decoy birds/food used to lure birds in
• Banding pliers – specialized pliers used to close metal bands around the birds’ legs
• Bird bands – small numbered aluminum or plastic bands obtained from wildlife agencies
• Banding data sheets – to record species, age, sex, date, location, wing length, weight etc.
• Rulers and weighing scales – to record morphometrics
• Bird bags – small cloth bags to hold birds while processing
• First aid supplies – disinfectant, antiseptic cream, cotton balls

Other useful supplies include headlamps, reference books, calipers, notebooks, pens, tables, chairs, and ringing tools like wing rules and bill meters. Proper bird banding equipment is essential for efficiency and safety.

What skills do you need to learn?

Here are some of the key skills required for competent bird banding:

• Identifying birds – ability to identify different species, ages, and sexes of birds accurately.
• Handling birds – handling delicate birds safely and securely to take measurements and attach bands.
• Collecting data – properly recording detailed banding data for each captured bird.
• Assessing condition – evaluating birds for signs of injury, illness, or stress.
• Managing gear – ability to effectively set up nets, extract birds, transport gear to sites.
• Releasing birds – gently releasing banded birds unharmed back into the wild.
• Avian first aid – administering first aid to injured birds if needed.
• Permitting – obtaining necessary state/federal permits to legally band birds.

Developing these specialized skills takes formal training, extensive field practice, mentorship from experienced banders, and a dedication to honing your techniques over time.

Where can you get training?

There are a few options for getting proper training in bird banding techniques:

• Banding workshops – Attend beginner banding workshops offered by ornithological research institutes, nature centers, or wildlife agencies.
• Job shadowing – Shadow and assist professional bird banders working in the field to observe techniques firsthand.
• Apprenticeships – Complete a formal apprenticeship under the supervision of a master bird bander to log training hours.
• Conferences – Attend bird banding presentations and trainings at ornithology conferences.
• Online courses – Some online courses and tutorials exist focused on bird banding basics.
• Colleges – Take university ornithology courses that provide opportunities to learn and practice banding.

Hands-on training under the guidance of experienced bird banders provides the best foundation to master proper techniques.

What rules and regulations apply?

Bird banding is regulated through a system of state and federal permits. Anyone banding birds must follow these rules:

• Obtain state and federal permits for your banding activities.
• Only purchase bands from authorized federal bird banding laboratories.
• Carefully follow all reporting requirements – including reporting encountered bands.
• Band only wild birds under approved protocols – no pets or rehab birds.
• Follow ethical guidelines for humane capture, handling, and release.
• Renew permits regularly to keep them current.
• Work under experienced banders until you achieve required competency.

These regulations protect both the birds and banders while generating critical ornithology data. Follow them closely to maintain permitting privileges.

What are some best practices for bird safety?

When banding birds, it’s imperative to minimize stress and prevent injuries. Here are some best practices for bird safety:

• Check mist nets constantly – remove birds quickly to avoid harm.
• Untangle birds from nets carefully using approved techniques.
• Allow time to rest between net rounds for captured birds’ safety.
• Band only in suitable weather – not extreme cold, heat, or wetness.
• Provide shade to resting birds waiting to be banded.
• Handle birds gently but firmly to take measurements.
• Hold birds in approved grips to avoid injuries.
• Use proper hand hygiene when handling birds.
• Fit bands correctly – not too tight or loose.
• Give birds time to recover before release back into the wild.

Banders should constantly assess birds for signs of stress and be prepared to end a banding session early if issues arise.

What are some beginner bird banding projects?

Some good beginner banding projects for trainee bird banders include:

• Songbird banding – Banding common backyard songbirds like chickadees, thrushes, warblers provides great practice.
• Hummingbirds – These tiny birds require specialized techniques to band successfully.
• Swallows – Banding colonially nesting cliff or barn swallows lets you sample many birds quickly.
• Owls – Banding owls at roost sites under supervision provides a unique experience.
• Ducks/shorebirds – Practice surveying duck boxes or shorebird flocks to mist net and band.
• Feeder banding – Run a feeding station to attract and band familiar species.

Focus on common species first to master fundamentals. Then progress to more challenging groups as your skills develop over time and with experience.

What should you do with banded birds you encounter?

If you encounter a wild bird already wearing a leg band, follow these steps:

1. Carefully note the complete band number – don’t stress the bird trying to view it.
2. Note the date, location, and species of the banded bird.
3. Look up the banding organization using the identification prefix.
4. Report your encounter promptly to the administering banding laboratory.
5. Provide all details, like wing cord length if requested.
6. If possible, photograph the bird and band without harassment.

Reporting band encounters helps researchers track bird movements and lifespan. Public sightings expand datasets and amplify the value of banding programs.

Where can you find resources to learn more?

Many resources exist for learning more about bird banding:

• Scientific articles on bird banding research and techniques.
• Books like The Bird Bander’s Handbook and The North American Bird Bander’s Manual.
• Ornithology association publications and conferences.
• Websites of major bird observatories and research institutes.
• YouTube videos and online tutorials.
• Mentorship from professional banders – email local project leaders.
• Social media groups dedicated to bird banding.
• Online bird banding data repositories like eBird and the Avian Knowledge Network.

Absorbing information from many sources allows you to become skilled in both bird handling and the scientific aspects of banding.

Conclusion

Becoming an accomplished bird bander requires dedication to formal training, hands-on practice, mentorship from experts, and a commitment to honing your skills over many seasons. While challenging, mastering bird banding provides a profound opportunity to contribute to avian research and conservation. With proper technique, care, and permitting, bird banders can have a deep impact on understanding and protecting the species they study while minimizing risks to the birds themselves.