Ever seen a bird in the wild with a tiny silver ring
on its leg? Maybe- maybe not, but they are out there by the thousands.
Actually, millions of birds worldwide are banded each year and released
unharmed as a way of studying behavior, migration, breeding success and
more! The bird is handled approximately 5- 10 minutes during the
banding process. Some birds are captured multiple times without any
apparent ill effects from the banding experience.
The U.S.
Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory is the governmental agency
responsible for issuing permits for the banding of birds in the United
States. A report is kept for each banded bird by the Bird Banding
Laboratory. Only an official band issued by the federal government may
be placed on a bird released into the wild in the United States.
Most
bands are made of lightweight aluminum which is produced in 14
different sizes. A unique serial number is stamped into each band for
identification. The bands are then given to licensed banders who are
trained in how to: handle the bird; recognize the signs of a stressed
bird; what to do with an injured bird; how to examine the bird, collect
and record data; and how to release the bird.
If you find a
banded bird you can file an electronic report by visiting the Bird
Banding Laboratory's web site or call toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263)
from anywhere in Canada, the United States and most parts of the
Caribbean. You will be asked to provide the band number, how, when and
where the bird or band was found.
