Bird Capture with Mist Nets and Bird Banding
Mist nets are used by ornithologists to capture wild birds for banding or other research projects. Mist nets are typically made of nylon or polyester mesh suspended between two poles. When properly deployed in the correct habitat, the nets are virtually invisible. Mist nets have shelves created by horizontally strung lines that create a loose, baggy pocket. When a bird or bat hits the net, it falls into this pocket, where it becomes tangled.
The Canadian Bird Banding Office administers the Canadian Bird Banding Program. Bird banding is an important tool used in the scientific study and monitoring of wild birds. Uniquely numbered metal bands placed on the leg of the bird allow tracking of individual birds throughout their life time. This makes possible studies that help to monitor bird populations, set waterfowl hunting regulations, protect endangered species, and assess the effects of environmental contaminants.
A ruler is used to measure the wing chord to the nearest millimeter. Breeding condition, body molt, and fat content are checked by gently blowing aside the feathers on the body. The flight feathers are examined to determine the amount of feather wear and if feathers are being replaced (molted). By wetting the feathers on the head, the skull can be seen and examined to help determine the age of the bird. The bird can then be weighed prior to its release. The most important step is accurate recording of all data for each bird. This data is submitted to the Bird Banding Lab for entry into a central data base. If the bird is again encountered, a great deal of information can be gained about the birds age, movement, changes in plumage, weight, and fat and other parameters.
Gavin Johnson, on Saltspring Island involved ES student in mist netting and banding birds. Gavin has a bird banding permit and is able to demonstrated appropriate bird handling and banding techniques. The mist net caputered 5 birds on one session in 1999. These birds were measured weighed, checked over and banded before release.
Mossop and Schoenville have involved ES student in bird capture and banding activities on a number of occassions on the Nisutlin Delta.
Mist nets are used by ornithologists to capture wild birds for banding or other research projects. Mist nets are typically made of nylon or polyester mesh suspended between two poles. When properly deployed in the correct habitat, the nets are virtually invisible. Mist nets have shelves created by horizontally strung lines that create a loose, baggy pocket. When a bird or bat hits the net, it falls into this pocket, where it becomes tangled.
The Canadian Bird Banding Office administers the Canadian Bird Banding Program. Bird banding is an important tool used in the scientific study and monitoring of wild birds. Uniquely numbered metal bands placed on the leg of the bird allow tracking of individual birds throughout their life time. This makes possible studies that help to monitor bird populations, set waterfowl hunting regulations, protect endangered species, and assess the effects of environmental contaminants.
A ruler is used to measure the wing chord to the nearest millimeter. Breeding condition, body molt, and fat content are checked by gently blowing aside the feathers on the body. The flight feathers are examined to determine the amount of feather wear and if feathers are being replaced (molted). By wetting the feathers on the head, the skull can be seen and examined to help determine the age of the bird. The bird can then be weighed prior to its release. The most important step is accurate recording of all data for each bird. This data is submitted to the Bird Banding Lab for entry into a central data base. If the bird is again encountered, a great deal of information can be gained about the birds age, movement, changes in plumage, weight, and fat and other parameters.
Gavin Johnson, on Saltspring Island involved ES student in mist netting and banding birds. Gavin has a bird banding permit and is able to demonstrated appropriate bird handling and banding techniques. The mist net caputered 5 birds on one session in 1999. These birds were measured weighed, checked over and banded before release.
Mossop and Schoenville have involved ES student in bird capture and banding activities on a number of occassions on the Nisutlin Delta.