REDWOOD SCIENCES LABORATORY AND
KLAMATH BIRD MONITORING NETWORK
MIST NETTING STATION MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
C. John Ralph, Kimberly R. Hollinger, and Robert I. Frey
April 2012
Suggested Citation:
Ralph, C. J., K. R. Hollinger, and R. I. Frey. 2012. Redwood Sciences Laboratory and the
Klamath Demographic Monitoring Network mist-netting station management procedures, April 2012.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station Redwood Sciences
Laboratory, Arcata, California.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................................... 1
Equipment List ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Banding Kits....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Bird Bags ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
Net Repairs ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Net Lanes ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Net Set-up........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Net Site Trails..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Station Location and Description ....................................................................................................................... 6
RUNNING THE STATION ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Opening Nets ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Rainy Day Protocol ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Checking Nets .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Busy Day Procedure ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Recording Minimum Data .................................................................................................................................. 9
Allocating Time between Netting Effort and Surveys ....................................................................................... 9
PROCESSING BIRDS ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Efficient Banding Station Setup ......................................................................................................................... 9
Order of Processing .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Use of the Tabular Pyle .................................................................................................................................... 10
Empidonax flycatchers ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Hummingbirds.................................................................................................................................................. 11
Importance of Age ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Recognizing and Treating Capture-related Stress and Other Common Injuries ............................................... 12
Priority of Data ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Collecting/Recording Juvenal Plumage ........................................................................................................... 13
Recording How Aged and Sexed ..................................................................................................................... 13
Recording Wing and Tail Molt......................................................................................................................... 14
Recording Notes ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Bands and Band Sizes ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Unbanded Birds ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Rare Birds......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Training ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Mortalities ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
Closing the Nets and Leaving the Site ............................................................................................................. 19
Demonstrations, Visitors, and External Relationships; Field Interpretation Log ............................................. 20
Schedule ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES AT KBMN STATIONS ............................................................................................. 21
Point Count Censuses ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Area Search Surveys ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Species Checklist.............................................................................................................................................. 23
Tissue Sampling ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Location and Vegetation .................................................................................................................................. 23
Small Owl Capture and Census ........................................................................................................................ 24
Rapid Ornithological Inventory ........................................................................................................................ 24
Constant Effort Trapping for Granivores ......................................................................................................... 24
Protocol Code ................................................................................................................................................... 25
DATA RECORDING AND MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................................. 25
Daily Mist-netting Journal................................................................................................................................ 25
Banding Data Form .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Area Search Form............................................................................................................................................. 26
Species Checklist Form .................................................................................................................................... 27
Checking Data Forms ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Completed Data Forms..................................................................................................................................... 27
References ........................................................................................................................................................ 28
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. List of additional data to be collected by genus or species
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Net set-up (birds eye view)
Figure 2. Net set-up (side view with detail of swivel snap).
Figure 3. Plastic bag method for net closure.
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
Appendix D.
Appendix E.
Appendix F.
Appendix G.
Appendix H.
Appendix I.
Appendix J.
Appendix K.
Appendix L.
Appendix M.
Appendix N.
Appendix O.
Appendix P.
Appendix Q.
Appendix R.
Appendix S.
Appendix T.
Appendix U.
Banding Kit Inventory Checklist
Net Repair and Storage
Station location and description
End of Banding Day Duties
End of Banding Cycle Duties
Banding Code and Skull Code Sheets
Empidonax Data Form
Target Species for Precision Ageing
How Aged and How Sexed Code Sheet
Banding Quick Reference Sheet
Example of Correctly-completed Field Interpretation Log Form
Example of Correctly-completed KBMN Area Search Form
Example of Correctly-completed KBMN Species Checklist Form
Avian Influenza (Cloacal Swab) Sampling Procedure
Claw Tip (Cascade-Siskiyou NM Project) Sampling Procedure
Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
Rapid Ornithological Inventory Schedule
Beaufort Wind Scale
Example of Correctly-completed KBMN Mist Netting Journal Form
Example of Correctly-completed KBMN Banding Data Form
We welcome you to the Klamath Network Bird Monitoring Program, of the Redwood Sciences
Laboratory (RSL), Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO), and Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory
(HBBO). This is a cooperative effort, involving many partners, cooperators, and volunteers.
Keep in mind that everyone is contributing their best to this effort, and that we will all try to help
you in any way possible. Most of all, have fun, and enjoy the birds as they reveal themselves to
you in this pioneering effort!
INTRODUCTION
Every Constant-effort mist-netting Station (CES) should have a Station Management Procedures
document such as this. This document is designed for stations operated by RSL, HBBO, and
KBO in California and Oregon. Many years of a wide variety of experiences have gone into
these procedures and every word is considered important to the operation of a bird monitoring
station. Please make every effort to become very familiar with its contents. Also, study this
document with a critical eye and note any inconsistencies or omissions to support staff at RSL,
HBBO and KBO. This document is intended to be an authoritative companion for operating bird
monitoring stations by RSL, HBBO, and KBO to Ralph et al. (1993) and the North American
Banding Council (NABC) manuals. We intend it to be also used at various stations in the
Klamath Bird Monitoring Network. Necessary deviations from this document are to be
expected, and should be documented in the journal record at each station, and preferably written
up for a permanent record.
EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Equipment
Each banding kit should have an equipment inventory that includes everything that is taken into
the field, including net lane clearing and maintenance tools. Please keep in mind that all the
equipment and materials used in this program are expensive and difficult to replace. Banders
should use and maintain everything gently and with respect. If any equipment is needed or
requires replacement, the field crew leader or support staff should be notified as soon as possible.
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Banding Kit and Field Equipment Inventory
It is the responsibility of the Primary Bander of each crew to assure that all equipment and
supplies that may be needed in completion of expected fieldwork is available and in working
order. The Banding Kit Inventory checklist (App. A) is completed for each kit at the conclusion
of every banding period (e.g., week, 10-day) by the crew who used it during that period. Each
item on the list is necessary at one time or another, so please assure that the kit is complete. Kit
items that have less than the required amount (you should note this is in parentheses next to each
item on form) must be replenished from the supply inventory. If any items needed are not
available, the field crew leader, or the RSL, HBBO, or KBO support staff, should be notified as
soon as possible so that the shortage can be resolved before it becomes a problem.
Bird Bags
Banders should always have some bird bags with them while nets are open (or being opened).
Avoid placing more than one bird into a bag at a time (see NABC manuals for the rare
exceptions). For the smaller bags, providing the string is long enough, please don’t use the string
like a drawstring as it is likely to break. Treat it like the fixed string that is on the larger bags.
To close the bag, wrap the string around the open end of the bag and secure it by passing the
string under the wrap once and then cinch it tight. When removing birds from bags please ensure
that the string is completely untied. If at all possible, avoid using a bag more than once before
laundering. Used bags must be turned inside out and segregated from the rest of the bags.
At the end of a banding period, bird bags should be laundered. Be sure that the bags have been
turned dirty side out. Loosely fill a mesh (sweater or lingerie) washing bag with the soiled bird
bags (so they don’t unravel or become severely tangled together) and wash on the gentle cycle in
hot water with a small amount of detergent and chlorine bleach. Leave bags inside the washing
bag for drying. After drying, reverse the bags so that the raw edges of the seams are on the
outside. Trim excess frayed or loose threads to reduce tangling on the birds. Be sure to remove
damaged bags (without strings, with holes or unraveled seams) that cannot be wrapped shut, or
from which a bird could escape, from the kit. Repair them if possible, or else dispose.
If a suspected diseased or bleeding bird is captured, it is important to put that bag aside until it
has been washed and disinfected. Also take the time to wash and disinfect your hands with the
antiseptic towelettes or lotion provided in the banding kit before handling other birds or any tools
and equipment. Periodically take the time to clean your hands during the banding session.
Net Repairs
It is very important that damaged nets be repaired as soon as possible or be removed from the kit
until such time they can be repaired. Damaged nets pose a danger to birds that become entangled
in them. Mesh holes and broken or undone trammel lines can cause extreme tangles that
unnecessarily threaten bird safety and take much longer to untangle. Mist nets are quite
expensive, but, with proper handling and regular maintenance, they should last a long time. Net
repair kits are included in each banding kit and should be out and used as frequently as is
necessary. A description of common net repair techniques (App. B) is included in this document
to supplement training. Realize that nets cost about $60 each, so a half-hour of repair more than
pays for itself. A good rule of thumb for deciding whether a net should be repaired immediately
(during a netting session) or afterward, is estimating the time necessary to complete the repair. If
the repair will take about five minutes (about the time that one would spend extracting a couple
birds), then repair it right away; if a longer time is necessary, then wait until after the netting
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session so that capture rates are not affected by net location disturbance. If banders do not have
time to repair the net immediately, or sometime during the banding session, then while closing
the nets, mark any damaged nets with flagging with notes written in sharpie pen indicating the
size and location of the damage and as soon as possible, repair it! Primary Banders have the
responsibility to make sure that net repair, instruction, and practice are a regular part of the
banding effort schedule, whether during the banding session, afternoons, or on
office/maintenance days.
Net Lanes
Net lanes should be cleared of vegetation to approximately one meter to either side of the net and
at least one meter above the height of an open net. Net lanes must be maintained throughout the
season. Cut back any new growth so that it does not become entangled in the net – this is a bird
safety and bander safety issue. Net lanes should be discreetly marked with flagging labeled with
the station code and net number written in permanent ink.
At most stations it will be necessary to set up and remove the nets for each banding session. One
end of the lane should be established as the fixed end and one end as the moveable end (Fig. 1).
This allows for adjustment to accommodate variations in net length and adjusting net position
within the lane. You will need two 10’ x ½” diameter (electrical conduit) poles, one 1’ x ¾”
diameter PVC pipe section, three 2’ x 3/8” (or ½”) diameter steel rebar sections bent 90º at one
end, three 8’ sections of ¼” diameter “Unmanila” (3-strand braided polypropylene) rope, and
two ¾” swivel snaps for each net. Install a PVC section at what will be the fixed end of the net
lane. This should be placed at the end where there is the least public traffic. The PVC should be
installed at a slight angle away from the direction the net is running (Fig. 2). This will help
maintain the pole in a vertical position against the tension of the opened net. At the fixed end,
install one guy line directly in line with the net. Using the 3# hammer, drive the rebar into the
ground approximately 1.5 m away from the PVC at an angle facing away from the net. Tie a
section of rope to the rebar and make an adjustable slipknot at the net pole end of the rope.
Measure the length of the lane using an old net, a net-length section of rope, or by pacing. Install
2 guy lines at approximately 120° angles to the pole forming a triangle with the pole (Figs. 1 &
2). The rebar stakes should be driven in at angles of 50˚ to 60˚ to the substrate, away from the
net and poles at each end. If it is not possible to drive the rebar stake into the ground, as will
happen at areas with a rocky substrate, the stakes must be buried, 10” tent stake/nails may be
used or an appropriately situated stone or tree used to anchor the guy line(s). If using a tree, the
rope should either be attached at the same, final height you want to have the swivel snap on the
pole, or it must be attached towards the base of the tree or shrub. The downward pull is
necessary for the swivel snap to ‘grab’ the pole.
Net Set-up
Using the method involving the plastic bag (Fig. 3) and the pole-guy line-swivel snap (aka
shackle) arrangement described above, a net should be set up in about two minutes. As the net
lane is approached, locate and lay out the poles and guy lines at each end of the net lane. Two
¾” swivel snaps are slipped onto the poles and used to connect guy line ropes to the poles.
Starting at the fixed end, insert the pole through the net loops and then put the shackle on the
pole. Set the pole into the PVC and attach the guy line. Walk to the moveable end, feeding the
net out of the bag as you go, being sure to keep enough tension on the net to keep it from
dragging on the ground. When you reach the moveable end of the lane, place the net then the
shackle, on the pole. Usually two net loops are placed below the shackle. Attach the two guy
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lines to the shackle, pull the net taut and slide the shackle up the pole to tighten the guy lines.
Nets made of nylon stretch out after opening and will most likely need to be tightened on the
next net check.
Figure 1. Net installation (bird’s eye view)
Figure 2. Net installation (side view with detail of swivel snap)
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A. Secure the Trammel loops in sequence
B. Pass bag handle through loops still on pole.
Figure 3. Plastic bag method for net closure and storage.
Since two people set up a net only slightly faster than one, it is much more efficient for banders
to split up (rather than leap-frog) and work toward one another from opposite ends of the net
array. However, factors such as a bander who is unfamiliar with net locations or a planned area
search census may make other arrangements desirable. What is important is that the nets are
opened as rapidly as possible and that banders at the station are in communication with one
another. The plastic (grocery) net storage bag should be left at the net, bunched up and secured
under a rock or under the rebar stake at the moveable end of the net and out of sight. It is
important to stash the bag so that it is not loose to blow in a breeze and disturb nearby birds.
Net Site Trails
Trails at each station must be kept cleared of hazards such as sapling stumps (trippers), low
branches (eye-pokers or head-knockers), loose stones, and thorny vegetation. The trails should
be safe to move quickly through without tripping and ducking. Banders should be aware that
brushing against thorny vegetation such as blackberry or hawthorn could possibly injure a bird in
a bag. Diligence in trimming new growth during the late spring and summer vegetation-growing
season is necessary to maintain safe conditions at netting stations. If a tree-fall or other event
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causes a trail (or net lane) blockage, notify the field crew leader or support staff as soon as
possible so that the problem can be resolved.
Station Location and Description
A station location and description form (App. C) must be completed for each station with GPS
waypoints and a compass bearing (along net length) taken at the fixed end of each net. The longterm monitoring, Constant Effort mist-netting Station (CES) sites will have had this information
collected already, but any target-netting or ROI efforts must include station location and
description data. Each station must have a unique four-letter code. Refer to the station code list
for station codes already in use. The code usually refers to nearby geographic landmark such as
the name of a river, lake or other nearby geophysical formation. Record the full name of the
landmark in the location field on the form. Record the precise mileage and direction from the
nearest town, the county, and the state. Also include appropriate landmarks in this description.
In the ownership field, record the land ownership of the station (e.g., Six Rivers National Forest - Orleans Ranger District, Bureau of Land Management Medford District, or private landowner
name). The support staff at RSL, HBBO, or KBO will have or can get for you this information.
Each station must have a map and detailed directions with accurate mileages to the station. The
station map should be drawn as much to scale as possible and should include: the parking area
for the vehicle; the trail to the station from the parking area; the net locations numbered
accordingly; the net round trail including landmarks; the banding station location; the area search
routes (e.g., A and B); location of all hidden poles; point count stations; and the date that this
information was taken. Be sure to record any special instructions or equipment needed for each
station, for example ‘four-wheel drive vehicle required’ or ‘hip waders required’. Original
station location forms and maps should be routed to your supervisor ASAP. A complete set of
maps should be kept in clear protective covers in each banding kit. Any changes to the layout of
the station including changes in net locations, changes in water courses, etc. should be recorded
on the kit map with a date clearly denoted on the map referring to the change. In addition, any
changes should also be recorded in the banding journal for that day.
RUNNING THE STATION
All banders running the stations should have read and thoroughly understand these station
management procedures, The Handbook of Field Methods For Monitoring Landbirds (Ralph et
al. 1993), The North American Banders’ Study Guide (North American Banding Council,
2001a), The North American Banders’ Manual for Banding Passerines and Near Passerines
(North American Banding Council, 2001b), and the Introduction section (pp. 1-40) of the
Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part I (Pyle 1997). The importance of the
information contained in these documents cannot be stressed enough. Understanding this
information will ensure consistency in station management and data collection, and will protect
the health, safety, and well-being of the birds.
Successful completion of the Bander’s Merit Badge (see Training section below and NABC
2001c) skills checklist will assure that banders’ progress toward a high level of expertise and
skill in banding techniques and provide an excellent preparation for North American Banding
Council bander certification. Banders in the process of completing their Merit Badge checklist,
and all trainers working with them, should continually and regularly address the topics that
6
comprise the checklist. Ultimately it is up to the trainee to follow up with the trainer to obtain
instruction on each topic to complete their checklist. Open, honest, and constructive discussion
(and documentation of such) of everything we do in the field can only help us continuously
improve.
Operation of our network of long-term monitoring stations in the highly-mobile tactics we use
requires dedication to personal and bird safety, equipment maintenance, and attention to detail.
Please be in the habitat of completing End of the Banding Day Duties (App. D) and End of the
Banding Cycle Duties (App. E) to ensure we are completing our work and training as safely,
completely, and accurately as possible.
Opening Nets
The goal in our constant effort monitoring is to operate each net for five (or six as historic at
some sites) hours during the same time of day, each banding cycle, each year. Banders should be
at the station 20-30 minutes prior to local sunrise and begin opening the nets 15 minutes prior to
local sunrise, and shut down so that each single net is operated the appropriate number of hours.
Be sure to have cached at each banding station (or otherwise have on hand) spare equipment
(poles, rope, stakes, etc.) to get every net set up promptly every session. Banders must have bird
bags and hand nipper-shears on their person at the opening and throughout the banding session
for early captures and minor vegetation trimming. At least a couple net-numbered clothespins
should be brought to each net at opening as well.
Rainy Day Procedure
If the scheduled banding session is interrupted by rain or other events, please use the following
guidelines. This is especially important if one is at or near the end of a sampling period, or the
station is very remote.
The major objective of a constant effort station is to usually run each net for a certain number of
hours each week or 10-day period, starting 15 minutes prior to local sunrise. If you have to close
nets shy of the magic number of hours, we suggest the following, in order of priority:
1. Attempt to operate each net for the standard number of hours, within the first seven hours
following local sunrise.
2. We suggest that you operate each net for at least one hour within the two hours following
local sunrise to include the maximum capture rate.
3. If possible, operate each net for a minimum of 60% of the standard number of hours
during the first seven hours following local sunrise. For example, at a station normally
operated for five hours, three hours would provide the minimum of 60%.
4. If a net or nets cannot be operated (e.g., flooding, tree-fall), then a temporary
replacement(s) should be set up as near as possible until such time the impediment to the
original net site(s) is removed. Secondarily, other nets should be operated for the
minimum 60% of the standard number of hours during the first seven hours following
local sunrise. Every effort should be made to restore the original net array as soon as
possible.
5. If you can’t meet the above criteria, we suggest that you operate the nets on the next
available day, during the hours missed.
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At times it is impossible to complete the netting at a station within the prescribed period.
In this case, we strongly suggest that you do a make-up, by operating very early in the next
period, rather than not take a sample at all for that previous period. Then, to get in the netting
session for the current period, wait at least three days before operating the nets again.
Checking Nets
Several factors should be kept in mind when checking nets. Nets should be checked every 20-40
minutes depending on environmental conditions, numbers of birds, and the experience level of
the personnel. Environmental conditions to be considered include: wind, rain, and temperature
extremes (see Ralph et al. 1993). If a bird is incidentally seen in a net, it should be removed
immediately with the capture time recorded as the next scheduled net round. Personnel should
always be in communication with each other at the station to assure every net is checked each
round and provide assistance as needed. Carry and use the 2-way radios provided in the banding
kit. Personnel should always carry the small pair of scissors provided in the banding kits to use
in the event of an extremely tangled bird. Bring along the hand pruners for net lane
maintenance.
Most importantly, schedule the next net round and write it down as a reminder on the journal
page immediately upon returning to the banding station. This schedule can be adjusted as
necessary but will help serve to keep net checks completed in an appropriately manner.
Busy Day Procedure
The purpose of a busy day procedure is to provide guidelines that clearly outline steps for a
Primary Bander to consider when high volumes of birds are captured at a station. The primary
concern for banders when faced with large numbers of birds is bird safety, and this procedure
should be implemented in order to avoid leaving a net unattended for more than 45 minutes and
to avoid holding birds for more than one hour due to a backlog. When followed, these guidelines
will allow banders to efficiently and safely deal with large numbers of birds, while assuring that
the most valuable data are collected accurately. Banders should keep in mind that the reason we
are in the field capturing birds is to collect data, in a safe manner, from as many birds as possible
necessary for various analyses.
Examples of the considerations taken into account by this procedure include:
 Data collected on a recaptured individual is much more valuable than data collected on
newly banded individuals.
 Data collected from capturing the more uncommon birds is more valuable than taking
complete data on, or even banding common species, certainly more than 10 birds of a
species.
Options to consider when faced with large numbers of birds include: making more frequent net
rounds, adjusting the allocation of personnel, taking minimum data, and releasing birds
unbanded. Specifically:
1. Birds should be removed from nets as quickly as possible, as they can remain quite
healthy in shaded bags for one hour, perhaps longer under ideal conditions.
2. If too many birds are encountered in nets for processing before the next round, then take
minimum data until the capture rate slows down. Be sure to maintain quality of data,
especially of species, age, and sex determination. If more than 10 birds of one species
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
are captured in a day, the remainder can, but only if you have quite a few birds that day,
be released without banding; try to age and sex these birds, if possible, and always record
them on the ‘Unbanded Birds’ data form.
If too many birds are captured even with taking minimum data, then close 2-4 nets,
including those with high and low capture rates, and in different habitats, if possible. No
matter which nets are closed, the normal net checking route(s) should be maintained in
order to avoid confusion about which nets have been checked.
Try to do net rounds as quickly as possible; every 15-20 minutes is not too often, in order
to minimize each bird’s net time and degree of entanglement.
Use personnel effectively; two people working together can process much more than
twice the number of birds than a single person, so long as one records for the other. If it
is time for another net round, and there are still birds to be processed, it is best for both
people to go on the net round, rather than just one. The birds are safer and less stressed
inside of the bags than hanging in the nets. Also, the net round will be completed much
more quickly, allowing more time for processing the backlog.
If more than about 10 birds are still in bags after 1½ hour, close further nets.
Once the number of birds hanging in bags has reached about 10, then nets can be
reopened.
As a general rule, birds should not remain unprocessed in bags for more than one hour from the
time they were brought to the processing station. Keep in mind that a bird could have been
caught in a net immediately after the net was last checked, and the total time in a bag can be
considerable.
Recording minimal data
Under certain conditions (see Busy Day Procedure section above) there may not be time to fully
process each bird. In these situations, the bander must at least record the band number, species,
age, sex and net number of the bird. In a given situation, the need to collect minimal data will
vary with numbers and experience of the banders. Just remember, the health of the netted birds
is paramount.
Allocating time between the netting effort and area search surveys
It is very tempting to treat the capture effort as the primary reason for being at a monitoring
station. However, the area search survey is every bit as important, especially considering that in
20 minutes you might process a few captured birds, but could record several dozen on a survey.
It is far better to let a few, or even several; birds go with minimum (or even no) data, than to pass
up the area search. Banders will find however, that with increased skill level of personnel
present, the area searches can be completed quite easily in course of checking nets.
PROCESSING BIRDS
Efficient Banding Station Setup
One of the most critical elements in station management is setting up the banding station to run
efficiently, so that you minimize any stress on the birds (and you!). There are many things
banders can do to reduce confusion, and thus increase efficiency and bird safety, at a banding
station.
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Try to locate the processing table in a spot that will be sheltered from the direct sun during the
heat of the day, but not so shady that the lack of light in the early morning makes it difficult to
make accurate assessments of plumage and skull.
In order to determine skull ossification accurately, additional light is essential, and not optional.
The banding kits are equipped with high intensity flashlights for skulling. Set up the light with
the chemistry stand or hang it from a tree branch close enough to the table or vehicle tailgate so
that the bander can use it without moving from the processing place.
Having a table to work on will greatly enhance your ability to maintain order and speed.
Portable tables or the tailgate should be used for processing. If the table is too small to hold all
of the items, set up the essential banding tools on the table, and set up the references within easy
reach of the table. The birds should be hung in a sheltered place within easy reach of the bander.
You should not have to get up from the table or walk to where they are hung or to get under a
light to skull. This is to ensure that the birds are processed as rapidly as possible. All banders
must become familiar with the Banding Code and Skull Pneumatization Code sheets (App. F)
and each of the coded category descriptions.
Lay out the tools where you find them most accessible on a small towel or bird bag, and put them
back in the same place when you are finished using them for easy access. Be sure to set up the
scale within reach so that you do not have to get up to weigh the birds. When removing birds
from bags, have a spot, away from the immediate processing area, where you pile the empty
bags. This will keep the bags out of the way of the processing and they will be handy for the
next net round.
All banders must wear and use the Optivisors continuously whenever processing birds!
Order of Processing
Certain birds should be recognized as sensitive to the capture process and processed before other
birds as a priority in processing order. Banders should be very familiar with which species
possibly captured at their stations can be sensitive to the capture process. At stations in northern
California and southern Oregon, this group of birds includes hummingbirds, kinglets, wrens,
juncos, towhees, and any other bird that appears stressed. Other birds that should be considered
as potentially sensitive include juveniles (especially of small warblers and finches, and especially
so on cold mornings), adult females with fully developed brood patches (check potentially
brooding females at net before bagging), and individuals that are continually struggling and/or
screaming. The bags containing such birds must be marked with an orange, red, or other brightly
colored clothespin. These bagged birds should be segregated at the banding table area and
brought to the attention of whoever is processing birds at the time. After priority birds are
completed, birds should be processed generally in order of their increasing size (e.g., bushtits
before sparrows, before tanagers, etc.).
Banders should always collect and record data in the order that they are on the banding data form
in order to maximize processing efficiency.
Use of the Tabular Pyle
The Tabular Pyle (Sakai and Ralph 2007) binder should be out and accessible at all times during
the banding session. Banders should refer to it for each species as it is processed. The Tabular
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Pyle is the authoritative reference for correct species codes and recommended band sizes, in
addition to being a concise, comprehensive ageing and sexing key guide. Trainers should always
use it as an example for trainees and to work through every bird possible as a learning
experience. The original Pyle (1997) is in the banding kit for those rare or unusual birds and
supplemental reading when time allows, but the tabular version is designed for fast reference
during the banding session. Regular and frequent study of the Tabular Pyle accounts for the top
20-30 species captured will prepare banders for timely, accurate, and safe processing of captured
birds.
Empidonax flycatchers
Keying out Empidonax flycatchers can be challenging but fun. If at all possible, every
Empidonax bird banded should be given a band from the string designated as the “Empid string”
and recorded on the special Empidonax data form (App. G). This data form and the table of
body and plumage characteristics in the Tabular Pyle facilitate accurate identification of this (at
times) confusing genus. It is not necessary to fill in all data columns for each bird; rather, collect
and record data for just those biometrics and characteristics which you need to arrive at a
species’ identification. We suggest this approach: if you have an educated guess about the
species identification based on your experience, start out with those characteristics that separate
that species from its conspecifics. You can stop measuring and recording when you feel
confident about your decision. If you’re inexperienced with the flycatchers, or you’ve captured a
bird that refuses to fit neatly into our classification scheme, then more effort will be needed. Be
prepared for waves of Empidonax flycatchers (and Catharus thrushes), and familiarize yourself
in advance with the measurement techniques and special data requirements. Do not record a bird
as “Empidonax species” or “Catharus species”! All of these birds can be identified to species
with the required certainty. If you know in advance exactly which characters and/or
measurements are required to separate similar species, and you are overwhelmed by a wave of
birds, take the minimum amount of data, and later identify each bird to species based on the data
you have taken. Do not put a band on a bird you will not be able to identify! Banders should
be familiar with the four commonly captured Empids of our area and the characters that
distinguish them.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds should always be extracted, processed, and released as a priority. We are not
currently banding or otherwise marking captured hummingbirds, but we do otherwise fully
process them using the special Hummingbirds data form. Of the hummingbird species captured
in our area, two of the genus Selasphorus, the Rufous and Allen’s, are very similar, especially
immatures and adult females; and some additional data must be collected to identify them.
Banders should be familiar with the additional data required as described in the Tab Pyle, as well
as ageing and sexing characters for the four expected hummingbird species (RUHU, ALHU,
ANHU, CAHU). For much of the year, hummingbirds can be aged by extent of striations on the
upper mandible (see NABC 2001d). Refer to the Recognizing and Treating Capture-related
Stress Hummingbirds subsection for special instructions and guidelines.
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Importance of Age
Virtually all analyses of banding data first divide the birds into age classes, usually just HY/SY
vs. AHY/ASY. While plumage, molt of wing feathers, feather wear, and breeding condition, can
all contribute to your decision, or actually determine the age, the degree of skull ossification is
the most certain. All banders must wear and use Optivisors continuously whenever
processing birds. Banders should be familiar with the Target Species list (App. H) that
classifies species that can be precision-aged, e.g., SY versus ASY, ATY, etc. For other species,
while it is possible to determine SY or ASY ages, and we encourage this (time and safety
allowing), the minimum data should be young versus adult. Always use absolute criteria. Using
questionable criteria will be less than useful and will introduce problematic variables into the
data set when age or sex categories are determined with varying degrees of confidence. If the
criteria are insufficient to make correct determinations at least 95% percent of the time, do not
waste the time trying to make a determination.
Recognizing and Treating Capture-related Stress and Other Common Injuries
Capture-related Stress -- All banders must be familiar with the symptoms displayed by captured
birds (see NABC Banders’ Study Guide). If a bird is stressed, take minimum data and release.
Be certain to release such birds at ground-level and be ready to recapture the bird if it doesn’t fly.
If a bird is stressed to the point of inability to fly, first try gently jostling the bird or tossing the
bird in the air a few inches or so back into your hand. This often gets the bird’s wings moving,
stimulating its heart, and releasing it from shock so it flies away. If this does not work, then
activate a hand-warmer packet. Be sure to use the liquid filled plastic bag type hand warmers
and not the granule filled mesh bag type. The latter may off-gas detrimental chemicals (follow
directions on package), place it inside a bird bag to one side of the warming box (e.g., a plasticinsulated cooler pack), and place the bird inside, but not next to the warmer. Cover the open box
and set it away from the banding table in a safe, quiet place. Check on the bird after 10 minutes
or so. Another alternative is to place the bird in the bag and put the bag under your shirt.
Hummingbirds -- Eyedropper bottles and a supply of sugar are in each banding kit for
hummingbirds. At the beginning of a banding effort or session, prepare the sugar solution and
place with other banding implements on the table, ready for use. Use only real cane sugar – do
not use any sugar substitute products. The solution to be used is 4:1 water to sugar.
The sugar solution should be offered to each bird prior to release, or sooner as determined
necessary to treat stress, by squeezing a drop out of the dropper and held at the bill tip, inserting
the bill tip or tongue tip into the drop no more than a millimeter. The hummingbird’s tongue is
frayed and sponge-like, and if it can take the sugar water, it will at this point. If it takes the sugar
water, it will very quickly be energized and will readily fly off. If it does not, consider treating it
in the warming box.
For every hummingbird banding data record, include in Notes section a brief note: “Offered
sugar water” or “Not offered sugar water” as is the case for that bird. This information will help
improve this protocol in handling hummingbirds.
Keep in mind that hummingbirds go into torpor and may do so as a reaction to shock, appearing
dead, but delay treating as a potential specimen. Birds other than hummingbirds should never be
given sugar water, as it can act as a diuretic.
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Wing Strain -- Wing strain (described in NABC Banders’ Study Guide) can occur in the net
before and during extraction, and during processing. Banders can minimize this problem by
following proper net check schedule procedure, using proper net extraction (especially the Body
Grasp extraction method), and proper Bander’s Grip handling. Wing strain will usually be
evident by one wing held noticeably lower than the other. If wing strain is suspected, the bird,
prior to point of release, should be momentarily held in the Photographer’s Hold and allowed to
flap its wings. If the wings do not readily flap, move the held bird up and down within a few
inches a few times (this will usually prompt a bird to flap its wings). If the bird has not yet
flapped its wings, it should be placed into a bird bag and set in a safe, quiet place away from the
banding table. Check on the bird after 20 minutes and attempt to release as above. Holding the
bird for up to several hours may be necessary.
The NABC manuals describe other, less common, injuries and treatments.
Priority of Data
The most important data are: species, band number, age (at least to the degree of hatching year
vs. after hatching year), sex, capture time, and net location. If time permits, other data in the
following order are important: breeding condition (if not noted in determining sex), wing molt,
molt limits, primary wear, body molt, wing length, weight, and fat.
Collecting/Recording Juvenal Plumage
The relative amount of juvenal plumage provides the analyst with information on bird
phenology. Knowing where a bird is in its annual life cycle: a hatch-year bird that is very young
(recently fledged) with relatively large proportion of juvenal plumage; further along in its
development, with a small proportion of juvenal plumage; or to an after hatch-year bird with
retained remnants of juvenal plumage in the case of a second-year bird. All of these add
significant value to the data we collect. As the timing of life history events are closely tied to the
timing of seasonal events and inter-annual variation in conditions, this information can be very
useful in looking at changes on the life strategies of birds in response to climate and
environmental changes.
The code for “Juvenal Plumage” refers to the easily seen body feathers that can be positively
differentiated as juvenal versus adult. Determinations should be made based on obvious and
clear color or pattern differences such as the streaks on an Oregon Junco or the buffy tips and
spots on thrushes. The value for this code does not include flight feathers or subtle feather
characteristics such as shape, or barb density that are not evident with a very cursory
examination.
Recording How Aged and How Sexed
The codes for characters used in ageing and sexing birds are included in each banding kit
(laminated reference sheet) and in (App. I). As our knowledge of ageing and sexing birds
develops, some characters may prove to be more or less useful than we now understand them to
be. By recording at least two characters used in determining age and sex, we have found that
age, and/or sex ratios, may be recalibrated by checking the data that have been recorded.
Further, for data analyses, it may also be useful to note whether a spring bird was aged AHY
based on inconclusive results after carefully examining the bird, or if it was not carefully
examined and quickly processed due to a backlog of birds. The process of recording ‘how aged
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and how sexed’ codes provides increased flexibility and greater resolution in describing age and
sex determinations. It also provides lesser-experienced banders a simple and easily remembered
basis for their data collection.
The most definitive characters should be used and recorded. Banders should especially pay
attention to the detail of what plumage is observed in birds and use the most precise code
possible. Banders should note that the use of several codes requires an accompanying note, e.g.,
“Q, Y, L, W, V, M, O, and Z”.
Whenever particular plumage characters are observed and used for age determination, record the
specific plumage code (i.e., “A, K, N, H, J”) rather than the general plumage code “P”. The “P”
code is usually appropriate for sex determination in sexually dichromatic species.
Whenever molt limits are looked for, a code should be recorded in the ‘Molt Limit” fields, e.g.,
no molt limits found, record “N”; molt limit in greater coverts found, record “G”. Banders
should record all molt limits found, e.g., if more than two limits are found, record in notes. If
molt limits are not looked for use code “9”. If molt limits are indeterminable after examination
use the code “U”.
The use of the “X”, “U”, “Z”, and “9” codes are very helpful in analyses examining whether
characters are useful for ageing and/or sexing. The use of “Z” should include a note on what the
suspected age/sex is and what the conflicting characters are. The use of “Z” is usually
appropriate for Target List species and any others for which there is a high probability for
determination of a precise age.
Recording Wing and Tail Molt
Wing molt should be recorded as symmetrical (S), adventitious (A), or none (N) in the WG
MOLT field on the front of the banding data form with a coded description, as described below,
recorded in the Notes field on the form reverse side. The presence of tail molt should be
recorded only in the notes on the back of the form. The details of both wing and tail molt should
be recorded using the standardized notion method.
The letter ‘P’ denotes primaries, ‘S’ denotes secondaries and ‘T’ denotes tail. The letters ‘L’ and
‘R’ indicate left or right respectively. The feathers are also numbered in the standard manner.
The specified feathers’ status is then described with the letters G, X, N, and O. The letter ‘G’
indicates currently growing. The letter ‘X’ indicates missing (absence of any new feather
growth). The letter ‘N’ indicates new (fully-grown, with none or little wear). The letter ‘O’
indicates old (grown in a previous molt). The primaries and secondaries should be described in
numeric sequence, except in the instance of adventitious (asymmetric) molt which can be noted
as simply the individual feathers involved. For example, you capture a bird that has p1 through
p3 new, p4 and p5 growing, and the outer primaries (p6-p10) old, and s1 and s2 growing, s3 and
s4 missing, and the inner secondaries old. This would be recorded as:
‘P13N45G610OS12G34X59O’. All molting or missing flight feathers should be recorded,
including those that may have been dropped by the bird during capture or handling. Be sure to
include a note indicating if you were aware that feathers were lost during capture or processing.
Be aware of possibly previously-collected rectrices in recaptured individuals.
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Recording Notes
Notes should be made about specific plumage characteristics and measurements taken in addition
to the normal data recorded on the front of the form, for example the length of the crown patch of
an Orange-crowned Warbler, or other criteria used to make age and sex determinations (see
Table 1). Make notes as concise as possible and use the standard abbreviations found in Pyle
(1997) p 732. When referring to a figure in Pyle (1997), record the note as ‘Fig ### = X’. If a
figure from any reference other than Pyle (e.g., Pyle (2008 – Part II), always prefix the Fig
notation with the reference name. If a feather sample was collected or a photo taken, it can be
recorded in the notes.
Note any injuries, malformations, or deformities, especially if a status code other than N
(Normal) is used. All unbanded birds should have a note explaining why the bird was released
unbanded. Use three-letter abbreviations for colors (e.g., ORG, GRN, BLK, RED, etc.). Write
clearly, concisely, and neatly.
For every hummingbird banding data record, include in Notes section a brief note: “Offered
sugar water” or “Not offered sugar water” as is the case for that bird.
Note numbers should be new (i.e., used only once and in numeric order) on each banding data
form. If a note is identical to another recorded earlier on the banding data form, a new number
must be designated but the earlier note number may be referenced as the note in order to save
time in note-taking.
Bands and Band Sizes
Birds should always be banded with the best-fitting size band. Refer to the band size reference
for top 50 species captured (App. J) Band sizes for species not listed in this reference are listed
in Pyle (1997) and the Tabular Pyle. The sizes listed in these references are those recommended
by the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL). If in doubt, and after measuring the tarsus, a
bander determines that a size other than those recommended should be used, then a note, that
ideally includes tarsus minimum and maximum width (measured at widest and narrowest points
with calipers (this will help the BBL improve recommended sizes) to the nearest 0.1 mm),
explaining why a non-recommended size was used (e.g., too large, too small) should be
recorded. Always include a note explaining why the BBL-recommended size was not used.
Banders should be familiar with commonly-captured species’ band sizes and the size used for
multiple-size species in our area. Do not routinely use the leg gauge to determine band size –
the sizes listed in the Tabular Pyle are the Bird Banding Laboratory-recommended sizes.
Rarely, an individual bird will require a size different than the recommended size – be certain the
leg has been measured correctly and that the applied band fits safely AND note that the
recommended size was not appropriate (that is, too large or too small).
Bands that are determined to be unsafe to the bird or unreadable should be adjusted or replaced
accordingly. When a band is changed, the OLD band is recorded on the recapture data form with
band code = 'R' with the NEW band number recorded in Notes. The NEW band is recorded on
the new band data form with the band code = 'C' and the OLD (removed) band number must be
recorded in the NEW band number record Notes field. A changed-band bird with the bandcode
‘C’ is tallied (on the Daily Journal form) once as a recapture, since it involves just one bird.
NEVER re-use a band you have taken off a bird; it makes tracking individuals exceedingly
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difficult and, because the structural integrity of the band is compromised, increases the risk of
injury to the bird.
Bands that are determined to be unreadable and replaced (Band Code C=Changed) must be taped
to a sheet of paper with the readable digits, species, station, date, and replacement band number
written and this information given to the field crew leader as soon as possible. It is very likely
that the Bird Banding Laboratory will be able to discern the original number through an etching
process.
Bands should not be placed regularly on either the right or left legs, but on whichever is handy
and available. Banders must be in the habit of inspecting both legs for an existing band.
Unbanded Birds
All birds that are captured but not banded (escapes, releases, and mortalities) must have as much
information as possible recorded on the Unbanded data form. Data on these birds is essential for
calculating capture rates, and mortalities can be used in productivity analyses. A bird is usually
considered an “escape” if it was touched prior to escape; a bird that bounces out of or escapes
from a net before it is touched should not be recorded. If a bird dies shortly after banding, it
should be recorded as an unbanded bird – transcribe the banding record data to the Unbanded
data form and remove the band which must be recorded as Band Code “D” (Destroyed).
Photography of Captured Birds
Photography of birds in the hand is permissible only under the following guidelines that take bird
safety into primary consideration. Photography should be limited to one camera and one
photographer, preferably someone associated with the host-organization (i.e., KBO, HBBO, and
PSW Arcata). Arrangements can and should be made to share image files among individuals
(and host banding organization) as desired.
Diagnostic photography, as necessary for documentation of a rare, unusual, or unidentified bird
or bird condition is to be completed as a priority before any other photography. Diagnostic
photography should be thorough with several poses from different views.
Photography for other purposes should be completed within a couple minutes and only as safe
station management and bird handling permit. Photography for training and/or education
purposes should be completed as a priority before that for personal-use. Photography for
personal-use should be limited to one minute and suspended immediately at the first observation
of any stress in the bird. For Education and Outreach visits to the banding station when there
may be several cameras present, the interpreter (group leader) should assign one person to take
photos during the interpretation and make arrangement for sharing those with the group (and host
banding organization
Photographers should adjust for composition, exposure, and focus before the bird is posed so that
pose-handling is minimized. It is preferable to use natural light and not flash when taking birds,
as the permanent effect is unknown at this point. The temporary effect of a flash is also
unknown, but if the bander feels it is necessary (especially with nocturnal birds), it can likely be
mitigated by holding the bird a few moments in a quiet, dark space.
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In order to protect the public perception of the great care and consideration of bird safety made
by KBO, HBBO, and PSW Arcata banders, photo images taken at banding stations are
considered the property of the host banding organization. Images of captured birds cannot be
posted in public, including social networks, newsletters, advertisements, etc., without prior
expressed consent of the host organization.
Banders, as primary captured-bird caregivers, should use their best judgment in any situation that
goes beyond the described guidelines.
Rare, Unusual, or Unidentified Birds
All Primary Banders should be familiar with the diagnostic characteristics of the top 30-50
species commonly captured, and they should be aware of any similar, less-common species that
might be captured. When you capture an unfamiliar, unusual, or uncommon bird, document it
with a photograph with a camera with a close focus (macro) function. All banders should be
knowledgeable and competent in the use of banding kit cameras. Consult with the field crew
leader or supervisor if they are not.
Photo-documentation of birds in the hand should be completed in the following manner. For an
initial photo-series introduction shot, hold the bird in front of a uniform, neutral-toned
background with a label with the date, location, and full band number, if banded (write unbanded
if not). Avoid white and bright colors in the background, as these will skew the auto-exposure
and auto-focus functions. The bird’s body should fill the image as much as possible. Four poses
will usually be sufficient to identify and document the species. These poses are: (1) dorsal view
entire body with one wing spread open; (2) ventral view entire body with one wing spread; (3)
dorsal view spread wing; and (4) head profile (lateral view). Be sure to show diagnostic
characters. Be certain that the photo images are properly exposed and focused before releasing
the bird. If you do not have a camera, or it malfunctions, a thorough written description covering
all the major plumage areas (e.g., upper parts, undertail coverts, etc.) and of body parts
(including bill and legs) should be taken. Birds that can’t be readily identified should be
processed completely, thoroughly described and measured as appropriate, photographed, and
finally, banded. With all the notes and photo images, the bird will be identifiable. Be certain to
report such captures to your supervisor as soon as possible and download any images, as a
priority, as soon as possible. Refer to the Pyle (1997) Species section and Tabular Pyle
Comparison Tables for similar and confusing groups of species.
Training
It is part of the responsibilities of the Primary Bander to instruct the assistant(s) in all of the
procedures and techniques involved in running the station. It is the responsibility (see Bander’s
Code of Ethics) of all banders, assistant and trainers alike, to endeavor continuously to improve
banding skills and bird safety. This endeavor must include open constructive, and honest
feedback at all times. All banders, but especially those in a Primary Bander role, should be
familiar with the NABC Instructor’s Guide to Training Passerine Bird Banders (NABC 2001c).
Bander’s Merit Badge Checklist
The Bander’s Merit Badge is intended to assure that you are prepared for evaluation at the
Bander level by the North American Banding Council. It also provides a very useful tool for you
and your trainers to track progress toward that goal. To use the skills checklist effectively, it is
crucial that you always have it with you at banding efforts and during supervisor meetings. You
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trainers will frequently ask to see your checklist, but the onus is on you to make sure they help
you complete it, and thus become fully prepared for bander evaluation.
The first two columns are to be initialed as appropriate by you. Keeping these up-to-date will
assure that your trainers are providing study materials and instruction in a timely manner. Any
of your trainers can initial the third column. Keep in mind that some topics on the checklist
should be demonstrated with a live bird to the evaluating trainer – be sure to bring these up
during a banding effort as appropriate.
Please do not wait for a trainer to ask you about your Bander’s Merit Badge Skills Checklist –
bring it out often and study, practice for topics you consider yourself ready for evaluation and
point these out. Be knowledgeable of what topics you have yet to complete. This skills checklist
will serve you most effectively if you use it frequently to its completion.
General Banding Training
The trainer should have read and be thoroughly familiar with this (Redbook) protocol, The North
American Banders’ Study Guide (The North American Banding Council 2001a), The North
American Banders’ Manual for Banding Passerines and Near Passerines (The North American
Banding Council 2001b), and The Instructor’s Guide to Training Passerine Bird Banders in
North America (The North American Banding Council 2001c). Trainers should ensure that all
trainees have read and understand these documents. Trainers should continuously discuss
material from these documents and application to day to day banding.
Removal from nets - Until trainees are fully competent, they should never be left alone taking
out a bird. Instead, the trainer should watch; when a person has not made progress on a bird for
about 20 seconds, take the bird, do the next step and return it to the trainee. Once a trainee is
competent to the point of safely removing all but the more-complex and confusing tangles, use of
the two-way radios becomes critical. Instruct trainees to call for assistance if they are not certain
of how to proceed on a tangle, whether initially or during an extraction). Assure the trainee that
difficult tangle do occur and that they must recognize the point at which progress ceases and to
ask for assistance. Instruct trainees on effective radio communication (i.e., brevity with caller
and recipient identification, exact location (e.g., net number), and issue).
Recording - Trainees should rapidly become familiar with the data collected, to the point where
they anticipate data, and do not have to be told the data appropriate for each column (e.g., when
told the skull is full, they should automatically and correctly write down the age and how aged).
Processing - Trainees should quickly become competent in processing. Training in processing
should depend upon the number of birds: (a) when only a few birds are to be processed, the
Primary Bander should record, while the trainee bands; (b) with moderate numbers, the Primary
Bander records for the trainee, while also banding; and (c) when it is busy, the trainee records for
the Primary Bander, while also banding. This enables the trainee to make progress continuously,
not just being a spectator.
Mortalities
In the course of capturing birds, and despite of every precaution being taken, some mortalities
may occur. Following any mist netting-related casualty (injury or mortality), banders should
discuss the incident, addressing probable cause(s) and mitigation to avoid or minimize possible
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future occurrence. Always share such incidents and discussions with your supervisor as soon as
possible. Also, while working in the field, or at other times, you may encounter dead birds, or be
presented one by the public. While these birds’ demise is unfortunate, it presents an invaluable
opportunity to contribute greatly needed-study specimens to scientific collections and training
programs. It is essential to take preliminary actions in order to preserve these specimens’ value;
otherwise, a great life is lost a second time.
Specimens must be frozen, as soon as possible. If you are more than an hour or so from a
freezer, keep the wrapped and bagged specimen in an ice chest or cooler (or, at the minimum, in
the shade). Please keep in mind that these specimens are not of study value without the
information listed below recorded on the wrapping and also on the outside of the plastic
bag. In order to protect feather condition and shape, the bird must be rolled up in a piece of
(appropriate-sized) clean paper with each end folded over toward the center of the bird, without
disturbing the rectrices and head plumage. The carcass should be arranged with the wings at
resting position and the legs directed towards the tail. If possible, fill the mouth with cotton (to
absorb fluids). The wrapped specimen must then be placed into a plastic bag, preferably a sealed
zip-lock freezer bag. Specimens derived of netting/banding activity should be recorded as
Unbanded birds. Keep specimens in the field residence freezer and arrange with support staff at
KBO or RSL, as appropriate, for transport to field stations, Arcata or Ashland.
Information that must be recorded for each specimen (on paper wrapping and on plastic bag):
species (write out common name); age and sex (if known); date (day/month (3-letter abbr.)/year);
location (include County); cause of death (probable if not known); and your name.
If the bird was a recapture, process as a Recapture using the Bird Status Code ‘D’. If the bird
was newly banded (same banding effort date), process it as an Unbanded capture, transcribing
the data from the New band data sheet to the Unbanded data sheet.
Closing the Nets and Leaving the Site
Personnel should be familiar with adverse conditions that may require early closing of nets as
described in Ralph et al. (1993). These include rain, high winds, strong sun, or predator
presence. Be sure to remove all twigs, leaves, feathers etc. from the net before closing. This will
greatly reduce the incidence of tearing nets while opening. Identify damaged nets with flagging
marked with a permanent felt pen describing the extent and location of the damage.
Be sure to disguise your presence as much as possible, by hiding ropes under rocks, using
minimal flagging, and putting poles under brush, if they are left at a station. Wrapping and
hiding the rope also keeps animals from becoming entangled. Place a stick into the PVC pipe to
keep dirt and little critters out of the pipe. Count the bagged nets BEFORE stowing to ensure
that all of the nets have been taken down. Be certain that this last step is followed, as it is the
only way to be certain that no nets have been forgotten at the station before leaving (without
walking the entire circuit again).
The poles should be hidden in a standardized location at each station. This is to ensure that
people filling in for the regular crew can easily find the poles. They should be cached at the end
of the net lane, and on the side of the lane that is away from the trail that a visitor would be likely
to see. If that location is not available for hiding the pole, choose the next least visible place. Be
sure that all the hiding spots are well marked on the station map. Always bring a copy of the
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station map with you when opening and closing to ensure that the poles are stashed in the
designated locations.
Demonstrations, Visitors, and External Relationships
There will be occasional scheduled demonstration mist netting or trapping efforts, usually as
park of a bird-appreciation festival (e.g., Godwit Days, International Migratory Bird Day, etc.).
A mist netting or trapping effort is designated as a demonstration when the effort takes place at a
non-CEMN site or, if at a CEMN site, usually fewer than available nets are used, and the effort
will not be included as a CEMN effort (check with supervisor if unsure).
Always be certain copies of all appropriate permits are in each kit. If near a campground or
where visitors are encountered, banders should introduce themselves and the netting work
ongoing. If an adverse situation is perceived or anticipated, the field crew leader or support staff
should be contacted and nets closed. Ninety-nine percent of encounters with the public will be
very positive, and banders should take advantage of the situation to educate the public as to the
work we do and how it benefits birds.
Take visitors on nets rounds with two banders so that if one bird is difficult to remove, the other
bander can move on ahead with the visitors. Confine visits to nets to the last half of the morning,
and never when there are so many birds that you consider taking minimum data. Make
appropriate apologies, but under no circumstances should visitors go on net rounds alone, or
when they may endanger the birds’ safety.
For scheduled demonstrations only - use the DEMO Protocol Code for Mist Netting Journal
Protocol Code field and in every Banding Data record Notes section.
Field Interpretation Log
Whenever appropriate, the Field Interpretation Log form should be completed. The Field
Interpretation Log form is essential for tracking incidental and any opportunistic banding
outreach encounters. These encounters can be an excellent vehicle for reaching folks with a
positive banding and bird conservation message that we otherwise might not reach. The form is
to be completed by anyone who encounters people while conducting fieldwork. Forms
completed for encounters during banding efforts are kept with the same-day’s Mist Netting
Journal (be sure to complete the appropriate field on the Journal form) and routed to the Banding
Project Leader.
As with all other data recorded each effort/day, the completed Field Interpretation Log must be
proofed for completeness and accuracy as soon as possible the same day. In completing and
proofing the form, include as much information about the encounter as necessary for someone
who was not present to completely understand what occurred and who was involved, where and
when. Provide as much information in the Notes section as possible so that follow-up efforts
will be informed and effective. Refer to Appendix K for an example of a correctly completed
form.
Be certain to present the reverse side of the form to the persons encountered and ask them to fill
it out so that we can foster the outreach effort and provide more information to them. If the
person(s) encountered express any reluctance in providing personal contact information, assure
them that we do not share any such information with anyone outside of KBO/RSL/HBBO.
20
Check the form quickly after someone records anything for uncompleted fields and ask them for
that information.
Schedule
Get the stations done in the first few days of a given period. If it rains during the first two hours
of a morning (making it impossible to get a minimum of one hour in – see “Rainy Day Protocol”
above), take the rest of the day off. Sites that are open to public use should be avoided during
weekends and holidays in the schedule.
SUPPLEMENTAL STUDIES AT KBMN STATIONS
To augment the capture data at our stations, we are collecting various additional data. These data
include point count censuses, area search surveys, species checklists, vegetation and location
surveys, and various tissue sampling. Other data are collected according to appropriate Redbook
addenda.
Point Count Censuses
Point count censuses are conducted at some monitoring stations annually during the breeding
season. The census follows the guidelines in the Handbook of Field Methods for Monitoring
Landbirds (Ralph et al. 1993) and the Klamath Demographic (Bird) Monitoring Network
Variable Circular Plot Point Count Protocol. The banding project supervisor will coordinate
these censuses. The census point locations are indicated on the station map. The censuses
should be completed within five days of the established date for each station. The established
dates for the censuses are recorded on each station’s Map and Location Description.
Area Search Surveys
An Area Search survey is to be conducted at least twice during each banding effort, and are
equally as important as the banding data. Basically, an observer walks a 20-minute route, noting
all birds seen or heard on the Area Search form (see Appendix L for an example of a correctlycompleted form). The person who is the best birder should conduct these, and the other banders
should practice as time allows. The two Area Search survey polygons for each monitoring
station are described and illustrated on each station’s map and Map and Location Description
form. For sites with only sketch maps or ill-defined area search polygons use your best
judgment when determining whether a detection is either “On Area” or “Off Area”. Keep in
mind that the ‘On’ area polygons include habitat surrounding and between the net lanes. Each
polygon should occupy about half of the entire banding station.
The first survey can be completed as the nets are set up, especially during the breeding season
with increased bird activity early in the morning. If the temperature and/or bird activity is low,
such as in fall and winter months, wait until it warms up a bit to begin the first area search. One
person starts setting up the nets and the other person walks around a circle that includes at least
part (but rarely all) of the net round. After 20 minutes, the surveyor (back at the start of the net
round) begins to also set up nets. Then, when bird captures have slowed down, often about 0930
or so, additional surveys should be conducted. Be sure that at least two area searches are
completed each banding effort. If capture rates are slow, or extra persons are available at the
station, multiple Area Searches should be completed. The order of areas surveyed should be
varied from effort to effort.
21
The detection type recorded is the first behavioral cue that alerted the observer to the presence of
the species. If subsequent behavior observed has a greater hierarchal breeding status category
than the initial observation, then it should be noted as such in the Breeding Status field. The
location of the initial detection determines whether it was “On” or “Off” the area. The bird(s)’s
location at the time of detection is determined as a flat plane from the observer, (i.e., imagine a
plumb bob suspended from a bird higher (in a tree or flying in sky) than the observer’s height
plane and the distance from the observer’s position to the suspended plumb bob at the same
(observer’s) height is the detection location.
The guidelines for differentiating songs from calls that follow should be used. Most songbirds
have a typical song that is generally not confused with typical call notes. An example is the
Black-headed Grosbeak, whose song can be described as a high, drunken, rolling warble and
whose call is a high, sharp pik note. Groups of birds that we will often encounter in the field that
have less well-defined songs and calls include hawks and falcons, grouse and quail, owls,
woodpeckers, flycatchers, jays and crows, and chickadees (particularly Chestnut-backed
Chickadee). The general rule for distinguishing between songs and calls is to defer to
vocalization descriptions provided in The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America,
with a few clarifications, as described below.

Hawks and falcons: Never sing. Regard all vocalizations as calls.

Grouse and quail: Low hoot of Sooty Grouse and drumming of Ruffed Grouse classified
as song, all other vocalizations classified as calls. Quark of Mountain Quail and Chi go of
California Quail classed as songs, all other vocalizations are calls.

Owls: Songs are defined as the typical series of hoots a male would give when defending
territory. This does not include any of the female and juvenile calls. The Northern-pygmy
Owl’s “submarine sonar” vocalizations and Flammulated Owl’s poop are included as
songs.

Woodpeckers: Songs are limited to rattles for most species. Calls are defined as all
contact calls, other vocalizations, and tapping. Drumming is defined as drumming. For
Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker, the similar sounding wuk wuk wuk wuk wuk
vocalizations are classified as songs; all other vocalizations are calls.

Flycatchers: Well-defined by Sibley. Typical two and three note vocalizations from
Empidonax flycatchers are classified as songs.

Jays and crows: Never sing. Regard all vocalizations as calls.

Chickadees: Song includes Mountain Chickadee’s cheeseburger, and Black-capped
Chickadee’s fee bee fee beeyee. All other vocalizations for these two species should be
classified as calls. Chestnut-backed Chickadee is more ambiguous and may not have a
structured song at all; regard all vocalizations as calls.
22
Species Checklist
A Species Checklist is to be completed for every banding and census effort. This checklist is
used to account for all species encountered during the monitoring effort using breeding statusindicative categories. The categories are codified and included on the checklist form. The status
category indicating the highest, most probable breeding status encountered should be used. All
encounters should be included including captures, area search (and all other censusing efforts),
and incidental observations. Refer to Appendix M for an example of a correctly completed data
form.
Tissue Sampling
Since 1999, we have contributed tissue samples to the UCLA Conservation Genetics Research
Center for use in molecular genetic data analysis, international genetic material repository, and
avian pathogen monitoring and research. These samplings involve feathers from the tail (se
below), skin cells (and fecal matter) from cloacal swabbing (App. N), and claw tip sampling
(App. O). The feather samples provide both DNA and stable isotope information. We are
sampling from as many birds as is safely possible. The cloacal swab samples provide avian
influenza information. We are sampling as many species, as evenly across the sampling periods
(i.e., spring migration, breeding, fall migration) as is possible.
Do not collect samples from stressed or injured birds. Do not collect samples during banding
outreach/education events. The cloacal swab and feather sampling is authorized under the
federal banding permit (a photocopy is in each banding kit).
Feather Sampling
Pluck the outer tail feather from one side of the bird’s tail, and the central tail feather from the
other side of the tail. To pluck the feathers, just hold them firmly, relatively close to the base,
and pull gently. Do not touch the quill, as the DNA is extracted from the skin cells attached to it.
For woodpeckers and Brown Creepers, collect both the left and right r6 but no central rectrices
(r1-r5). Do not pull a feather that is growing.
Place the feathers from each bird sampled into one of the pre-printed envelopes provided by
UCLA. Fill out the requested information on the envelope: species name (4- letter code is fine),
band number, date (please use letters for the month instead of numbers), location code, station
code, and age (use standard age and sex codes on the log sheet (i.e., ‘HY’ not ‘H’; ‘AHY’ not
‘A’; etc.), sex, and breeding condition (as determined by brood patch or cloacal protuberance).
Please make a note if you notice that the central rectrix is of a different generation than the outer
rectrix (e.g., alternate vs. basic feather).
Location and Vegetation
Vegetation assessments are conducted each year at CES stations and at each ROI. The
assessments are completed using the relevé method (App. P). The assessments are taken at each
station net and point count location. Primary Banders should be trained and competent in the
protocol and methodology of vegetation assessments. They should also be capable of training
other people.
23
Small Owl Capture and Census
The purpose of this study is to gain information useful for analysis of owl population trends and
characteristics. Very little is known about these difficult to monitor birds. Additional
information about migration patterns and molt cycles, otherwise difficult or impossible to collect,
will be made available through this study. We are targeting four small owl species, Flammulated
Owl, Western Screech Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl. However, all
owls and other nocturnal bird captures and detections are of great value. The census is
conducted during the capture effort, both using an audio-lure (App. Q).
Use the OWL Protocol Code for Mist Netting Journal Protocol Code field and in every Banding
Data record Notes section.
Rapid Ornithological Inventory
The Rapid Ornithological Inventory (ROI) integrates the mist netting, area search survey, small
owl capture and census, and vegetation survey procedures described above in a one-time effort.
The ROI is designed to augment the data collected at regular monitoring stations on a landscape
scale and quickly gains a measure of the relative value of nearby habitats. The procedure (App.
R) includes a schedule for completing a ROI, which takes just under three days for two people, at
a minimum. Field crew leaders should be consulted for map(s), ownership information (with
special permit, if needed), and special equipment required.
Use the ROI Protocol Code for Mist Netting Journal Protocol Code field and in every Banding
Data record Notes section.
Constant Effort Trapping for Granivores
Capture of sparrows, towhees, finches, and other grain-eating birds can supply important
information on these species to supplement mist netting captures. They also can provide a steady
supply of birds for training or for showing visitors banding when weather is inclement or capture
rate is low due to the season, or time of day. As with netting, the data are most useful if the
trapping effort is relatively constant and documented in the journal.
The types of traps used are a maze or cell type. The maze trap is one that birds enter through an
opening in the cage, and have difficulty finding their way out. Cell traps have one or more small
cells, each with a sliding door with a trigger activated by the weight of the bird. It is best if the
traps are placed on a platform feeder, about a meter and a half off the ground, high enough to
make it difficult for raccoons or foxes to have easy access, and at the level that a bander can
easily remove birds (slightly below shoulder height). They are usually located at least 10 m or
more away from nets, to minimize flushing of birds into the nets off the feeder. The traps should
be propped and locked open, and baited during non-capture periods to accommodate the birds
learning where food is located.
Use the TARG Protocol Code for Mist Netting Journal Protocol Code field and in every Banding
Data record Notes section.
24
Protocol Code
There are five distinct mist netting/trapping protocols currently in use by the KBMN as described
below. Reference the appropriate protocol code on the Mist Netting Journal and Banding Data
form Notes section as required, noted here).
1. CEMN: Mist netting at CEMN-designated sites following the Constant Effort
Monitoring Station Management Procedures.
2. DEMO (Demonstration): Mist netting or trapping for demonstration purpose only,
usually with fewer than available nets if at a CEMN site; not a CEMN effort. Banding
records must have the code DEMO recorded as first (even if only) word in Notes section.
3. OWL (Small Owl Monitoring): Mist netting following the Small Owl Capture and
Census Protocol (App. Q). Banding records must have the code OWL recorded as first
(even if only) word in Notes section.
4. ROI (Rapid Ornithological Inventory): Mist netting following the Rapid Ornithological
Inventory Schedule (App. R). Banding records must have the code ROI recorded as first
(even if only) word in Notes section.
5. TARG (Target species capture): Mist netting or trapping following the Constant Effort
Trapping for Granivores procedure (above) or any other targeted effort. Banding records
must have the code TARG recorded as first (even if only) word in Notes section.
DATA RECORDING AND MANAGEMENT
In contrast to many operations, we use pencils to record data. We have found that mistakes are
much more easily corrected than using ink and white-out. Use a sharp, medium pencil (usually
#2), and write clearly and distinctly.
Daily Mist Netting Journal
While many of these seem obvious, we find mistakes in these every year at every station. Refer
to the sample completed form (App. T). Please write the following:
 Station name: the name of the station (e.g., Redwood Creek).
 Project Code: the LAMNA-associated project data classification code (check with
supervisor for current list).
 Station code: the four-letter code for the station name (e.g., RECR).
 Protocol Code: the mist netting or trapping protocol used for the journaled effort (i.e.,
CEMN, DEMO, TARG) – refer to Protocol Code section above.
 Day: the day of week 3-letter abbreviation (e.g., WED, SAT).
 Month, Day, Year: the date in US (month first, day second) numeric format.
 Net site #s: the net number-designations that apply to the immediately following Open
and Closed times (all other net #s are recorded in the below section).
 Total # Nets: record the total number of nets (from Net Site #s field).
 Time open: the exact time you commenced opening and exact time opening was
completed.
 Time closed: the exact time you commenced closing and exact time closing the nets was
completed.
 Nets Rounds: the exact time each net round was started.
 Nets Opened Late/Closed and Reopened During Session: each net # opened, closed,
reopened, and/or not opened (account for all net #s not included in above Time Open and
25







Closed fields) with exact open and close times. Record in the notes section the reason for
any nets not opened or the times nets were opened or closed.
Area Search #’s: the area search area letter designation, time, and by name for each
search completed.
Banders/ Recorder Names (and Initials): the complete names and 3-letter initials of all
banders and recorders present.
In each of the three time intervals (open, mid, close) record: (1) Percent cloud: estimate
the percent of cloud cover to the nearest 10% in each of the three intervals; (2)
Precipitation: None (N); Fog (F), Mist (M), Drizzle (D), Rain (R) from (Ralph et al.
1993). Include any descriptors such as light, heavy, steady or intermittent; (3)
Temperature: record temperature in centigrade using the thermometer provided with your
kit; (4) Wind using the Beaufort scale (App. S).
Birds Captured: the summary of captures from (Recap, New, and Unbanded) reverse
side tally field and number of Stressed, Injured, and Mortalities.
Notes: any unusual or interesting occurrences, visitors names, problems encountered,
etc.; also record plants flowering or fruiting, and all birds singing or seen carrying nesting
material or food; any observation of note for the mist netting event.
Field Interpretation Log Sheet?: check appropriate box for whether a form was
completed.
Reverse side tally fields: the totals by categories compiled for summary of captures; the
second (by gender) field completion is optional.
Banding Data Form
Refer to the sample completed form (App. U) and ‘Processing Birds’ section above. Be sure to
completely fill out the headings on the top of each form. Please record only bands from a single
string on a banding form. When starting a new string, always start a new form. This will help
ensure that band numbers are recorded and computerized correctly and will facilitate data filing,
band inventory, and reporting. The first record on a form and the first record of each
day/banding effort should have every field recorded. Continuation lines can be used there after
as appropriate. Lost or destroyed bands should be recorded in sequence on the new band sheets.
Please record the code (‘L’ for lost and’ ‘D’ for destroyed), band number, date, and location.
Record ‘BALO’ or ‘BADE’ in the species code field and write ‘Band lost’ or ‘Band destroyed’
in the notes section. The date and site should be recorded for these records. If the date and site
are not known, as may occur with some lost bands, record the date and site of when and where
the lost band was first noted. After the last band of a string is used, the form should be
discontinued with “end of string” written following the last band record. Never record bands
from more than one band string series on a single form, no matter if is the same size (but
different strings), or different band sizes. This can cause great confusion in subsequent data
management and record keeping – another data form must be used, even if it will have only one
record on it.
Area Search Form
Refer to the sample completed form (App. L). Be sure to completely fill out the headings on the
top of each form before beginning the survey. All birds encountered during the search are
recorded. The Area Search form includes separate boxes within each row for recording distinct
detection events with a detection type code and number of individual birds so detected. A
detection event is any single detection (e.g., V, S, F, etc.) that may include any number of
individuals. For example, a bird singing would be recorded as S1 in a single box; then, two birds
26
(not including the first detected individual) of the same species seen would be recorded as V2 in
a subsequent box of that species’ row. If all boxes of a species’ row are used then a second, and
more as necessary, row for that species should be used.
Each day, the area search data forms should be edited, cleaned up and placed with the other
completed forms. Occasionally, the date and/or station are omitted while in the field, and this is
much more easily corrected the day of area search rather than later. Be sure to fill in the species
name field with a brief abbreviation of the species name for each species. For any species that
the code is unconventional or unusual, the entire name should be recorded. This is both the
surveyor and the Primary Bander’s responsibility to make sure that it is done. If any breeding
behavior is observed, the appropriate breeding status code should be recorded for that species.
Be sure to include notes of any factor that may have influenced the results such as noise,
weather, etc. The completed form must be proofed (and initialed in ‘Checked by’ field) before
leaving the site.
Species Checklist Form
Refer to the sample completed form (App. M). Be sure to completely fill out the headings on the
top of each form at the beginning of an effort. For each species encountered during the effort,
record the breeding status code indicating the highest probability of breeding activity, e.g., if a
species is heard singing, captured, and observed copulating, then the “C” (Copulation) code is
recorded. All encounters immediately before, during, and immediately following the banding
effort are recorded on the checklist. All persons present should collaboratively complete the
form at the effort’s conclusion so that no observations are forgotten or otherwise omitted. The
completed form (especially the header and end time) must be proofed (and initialed in ‘Checked
by’ field) before leaving the site.
Checking Data Forms
It is required that the Primary Bander for the field crew check the day’s data at the end of each
field day when simple data recording errors may be caught and corrections can be made. Forms
should be checked for completeness and correctness. Start with the header and check that all
boxes have been filled in and that the data are legible. Check that all notes on the back are
referenced to the correct note number on the front. With all forms, ensure that the correct station
and date have been recorded, including all banding data forms used during the day/banding
effort. Check to be sure that the species and species code agree and that the how aged and sexed
data agree with the age and sex designation recorded; check that the correct codes for data taken
have been used and check that the weights and wing lengths are within reason for that species.
Any errors found should be corrected only if there is 100% certainty of the correct information.
If you not able to correct an error, circle it in red and if you have an idea of what you think the
likely correction is, put a note on the back of the form. The primary bander must initial each
page in the right hand margin at the last row of data taken for the day. The reviews of the data
should be discussed with the entire crew as an instructional exercise and to help avoid similar
errors in the future.
Completed Forms
When a data form is completed, it should be removed from the data book following data
proofing at the banding effort’s conclusion. While in the field for multiple days, file completed
forms in a protective space such as the covered clipboard. When the banding kit returns to the
field residence, all completed data forms must be removed from the kit. Check with your
27
supervisor for photocopying procedures. Photocopies should be double-sided with the notes on
the back of the copy (photocopy the reverse Notes side even if there are no notes recorded). Be
certain that the copies are clearly legible. When the original form is copied, initial the ‘Copied
by’ space. The original forms should then be filed in a safe place until such time that they can be
hand carried to the home office (check with supervisor). The Journal, Area Search, and Species
Checklist forms should be organized by station, then by date. The banding forms should be filed
in order by band size, then band number (beginning with prefix) for new bands, and by date of
first record for Hummingbird, Recapture, and Unbanded data forms.
Table 1. List of additional data to be recorded by genus or species.
Genus/Species
Selasphorus
Empidonax
BARS
BUSH
RCKI
GCKI
WREN
OCWA
NAWA
WIWA
WCSP
ORJU
GCSP
SPTO
YBCH
Data to collect and record
Special data form for Selasphorus hummingbirds
Special data form for Empidonax flycatchers, complete as necessary
Tail formulae; record as ‘Pyle Fig. 209=##mm’
Iris color; record as ‘iris=light, iris=dark
Presence of red in crown; record as ‘C=red’, ‘C=no red’
Presence of orange in crown; record as ‘C=org’, ‘C=no org’
Outer iris color; record as ‘outer iris=(Pyle color descriptions)’
Length of concealed crown patch; record as ‘C=##mm’
Length of rufous in greatest rufous crown feather (♂♂ only); record as ‘ruf=##mm’
Length of crown patch and % of green within patch; record as ‘C=##mm, ##% grn’
Record data collected to identify subspecies
% brown of nape, (HBBO only)
Crown plumage; record as ‘Pyle Fig. 300=[A-D}
Iris color; record as ‘iris=(Pyle color descriptions)’
Color of roof of mouth and lores; record as ‘mouth=, lores=(Pyle color descriptions)’
REFERENCES
Blackshaw, S. R. 1993. An improved method of net handling and storage. North American Bird
Bander 18 (2):49-50.
Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part I. Slate Creek Press. Bolinas,
California. 732 p.
NABC. 2001a. The North American banders’ study guide. North American Banding Council
http://nabanding.net/nabanding/.
28
NABC. 2001b. The North American banders’ manual for banding passerines and near passerines
(excluding hummingbirds and owls). North American Banding Council
http://nabanding.net/nabanding/.
NABC. 2001c. The instructor’s guide to training passerine bird banders in North America. North
American Banding Council http://nabanding.net/nabanding/.
NABC. 2001d. The North American banders’ manual for banding hummingbirds. North
American Banding Council http://nabanding.net/nabanding/.
Ralph, C. J., G. R. Geupel, P. Pyle, T. E. Martin, and D. F. DeSante.1993. Handbook of field
methods for monitoring landbirds. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-144. Albany, CA: Pacific
Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Sakai, H. and C. J. Ralph. 2007. The Tabular Pyle. Copes available at
http://www.klamathbird.org.
29
Appendix A. Mist Netting Equipment Checklist For Field Kits
MIST NETTING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
FOR FIELD KITS
BANDING PACK
BANDING TOOL KIT
BANDS (MINIMUM EXTRA STRINGS)
___ SIZE 0A........................................................................ (200)
___ SIZE 3B......................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 0 ........................................................................... (200)
___ SIZE 3A......................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 1C........................................................................ (200)
___ SIZE 4 ........................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 1 .......................................................................... (200)
___ SIZE 4L......................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 1B........................................................................ (200)
___ SIZE 5 ........................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 1A........................................................................ (200)
___ SIZE 5L .......................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 2 .......................................................................... (200)
___ SIZE 6L.......................................................................... (10)
___ SIZE 3 ............................................................................ (50)
WING RULERS
BANDING PLIERS
___ SIZE 0-1A ......................................................................... (2)
___ SIZE 15 cm ....................................................................... (2)
___ SIZE 2-3A ......................................................................... (1)
___ SIZE 30 cm ....................................................................... (1)
___ SIZE 3B-4.......................................................................... (1)
___ LINEMAN=S PLIER......................................................... (2)
___ NEEDLE NOSE PLIER ..................................................... (2)
___ PLIER, END NIPPER........................................................ (2)
OTHER BANDING TOOL KIT COMPONENTS
___ CALIPERS ........................................................................ (1)
___ SCISSORS......................................................................... (3)
___ LEG GAUGE.................................................................... (1)
___ HUMMINGBIRD FOOD BOTTLE................................... (2)
___ MECHANICAL PENCILS, 0.7mm ................................... (2)
___ SUGAR PACKS ................................................................ (4)
___ EXTRA PENCIL LEAD ................................................... (2)
___ SCOTCH TAPE................................................................. (1)
___ PENCILS.......................................................................... (2)
___ LIGHTER......................................................................... (2)
___ PENCIL SHARPENER..................................................... (1)
___ WATER BOTTLE ............................................................. (1)
___ SHARPIE FELT TIP PENS................................................ (2)
___ NET REPAIR KITS ........................................................... (1)
BANDING PACK (CONT.)
___ SL4 HIGH INTENSITY FLASHLIGHT............................. (1)
___ EXTRA BATTERIES
___ OPTIVISOR ................................................................... (2)
___ SIZE AA........................................................... (12)
___ MASKING TAPE ............................................................. (1)
___ SIZE C................................................................ (8)
___ CAMERA ......................................................................... (1)
___ 9 VOLT.............................................................. (4)
___ FILM ................................................................................ (2)
___ ZIPLOCK BAGS 1qt........................................................ (10)
___ KING RADIO ................................................................... (1)
___ CLIP BOARD ................................................................... (1)
___ HEAD LAMPS.................................................................. (3)
___ COIN ENVELOPES FOR FEATHER COLLECTION..... (40)
___ ELECTRONIC SCALE...................................................... (1)
___ MASKING TAPE 1/4"............................................ (1 ROLL)
___ WEIGHING CUPS .................................................... (1 SET)
DATA FORMS (IN DATA BINDER, IN BANDING PACK)
___ JOURNAL FORMS ......................................................... (20)
___ OWL JOURNAL/SURVEY FORMS ............................... (20)
___ BANDING DATA FORMS.............................................. (20)
___ VEGETATION FORMS .................................................. (24)
___ EMPIDONAX DATA FORM ............................................ (4)
___ SITE DESCRIPTION FORMS........................................... (3)
___ AREA SEARCH FORMS ................................................ (40)
SITE MAPS (INCLUDING DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE B 1 EACH (IN DATA BINDER, IN BANDING PACK)
___ ANT1 ................................................................................ (1)
___ SACR................................................................................ (1)
___ CAMP ............................................................................... (1)
___ YACR................................................................................ (1)
___ CAPD................................................................................ (1)
___ 7MIL ................................................................................. (1)
___ GALB................................................................................ (1)
___ CABN................................................................................ (1)
___ GROV .............................................................................. (1)
___ GERB................................................................................ (1)
___ HREC ............................................................................... (1)
___ JOHN ................................................................................ (1)
___ INVA ................................................................................ (1)
___ ODES................................................................................ (1)
___ LADY................................................................................ (1)
___ SNCO................................................................................ (1)
___ LELA ............................................................................... (1)
___ TOPS................................................................................. (1)
___ MARI................................................................................ (1)
___ WIIM................................................................................. (1)
___ MAST ............................................................................... (1)
___ WILL................................................................................. (1)
___ PLME................................................................................ (1)
___ WOOD............................................................................. (1)
___ RED2................................................................................. (1)
REFERENCES (IN BANDING PACK)
___ ROAD MAPS
___ MONITORING HANDBOOK .......................................... (1)
California .................................................................. (1)
___ RSL STATION MANAGEMENT >RED BOOK= 2002..... (1)
Oregon ...................................................................... (1)
___ BIRD TOPO AND DATA CODES................................(1 set)
___ FOREST MAPS
___ SUNRISE CHART............................................................. (1)
Klamath..................................................................... (1)
___ BEAUFORT WIND SCALE .............................................. (1)
Mendocino ................................................................ (1)
___ SKULL OSSSIFICATION DATES ................................... (1)
Shasta-Trinity............................................................ (1)
___ SPECIES CODE LIST/RECOMMENDED BAND SIZES .. (1)
Siskiyou .................................................................... (1)
___ TABULAR PYLE 2002...................................................... (1)
Six Rivers.................................................................. (1)
___ SIBLEY 2000 .................................................................... (1)
___ RADIO INSTRUCTIONS ................................................. (1)
___ PYLE ID GUIDE TO N. AMERICAN BIRDS 1997 .......... (1)
Appendix A. Mist Netting Equipment Checklist For Field Kits
NETTING EQUIPMENT (IN NET PACK)
___ WALKIE-TALKIES ......................................................... (3)
___ NETS, 36mm, 12m........................................................... (15)
___ NETS, 61mm 12m............................................................ (4)
___ SHACKLES, 3/4" swivel snap.......................................... (40)
___ NET BAGS, plastic grocery type ...................................... (15)
___ EXTRA ROPE, 6' sections.................................................. (9)
___ FLAGGING TAPE.................................................. (1 ROLL)
___ HAND CLIPPERS ....................................................(1 PAIR)
___ BIRD BAGS 8X10" ......................................................... (40)
___ BIRD BAGS 10X14" ......................................................... (6)
___ CLOTHES PINS #1-13 ...........................................(4 EACH)
___ CLOTHES PINS, ORANGE #1-13.........................(2 EACH)
LOOSE ITEMS
IN TUB
BANDING STATION / MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT (WON’T FIT
IN TUB – BRING WITH)
___ FOLDING CHAIRS
(3)
___ ROLE UP TABLE ............................................................. (1)
___ EXTRA SHORT NET POLES............................................ (8)
___ MACHETE, 18"................................................................. (1)
___ LONG HANDLED LOPPERS............................................ (1)
___ INSULATED BAG w/ ....................................................... (1)
___ HAND WARMERS .......................................... (12)
___ FIELD FIRST AID KIT ...................................... (1)
___ CHEMISTRY STAND....................................................... (1)
___ TARP ................................................................................ (1)
___ GLOVES ..................................................................(3 PAIR)
___ HAND SAW...................................................................... (1)
___ HEDGE SHEARS.............................................................. (1)
___ MALLET........................................................................... (1)
___ REBAR, 18"x 3/8" ............................................................. (4)
___ PVC, 1' x 3/4" .................................................................... (4)
___ DUCT TAPE ..................................................................... (1)
___ BIRD BAGS 8X10" ......................................................... (60)
___ CONNECTORS FOR SHORT POLES ............................... (4)
___ EXTRA ROPE (24 foot length)........................................... (1)
Appendix B. Net Repair and Storage
Appendix B. Net Repair and Storage
Appendix B. Net Repair and Storage
Appendix B. Net Repair and Storage
Appendix B. Net Repair and Storage
Appendix C. KBMN Mist Netting Station Location and Description Form
Klamath Bird Monitoring Network Mist Netting Station Location and Description
Month: ____ Day:____ Year_______
Station Name: ______________________________________________ Station Code: _______________
Forest: ________________________________, Ranger District: ________________________________
7.5 Minute USGS Quadrangle: ___________________________________________________________
Location: ____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________, County: ____________________________________ State: ______
Mileage and Direction from nearest town:___________________________________________________
Ownership: _____________________________; Contact:______________________________________
Address: _________________________________________, Phone (______) ________-_____________
Driving directions from field residence or nearest town:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Special Equipment and/or Instructions:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________GPS COORDINATES AND STATION MAP ON REVERSE )
GPS Coordinates: Projection/Datum = UTM/NAD27/CONUS
Appendix C. KBMN Mist Netting Station Location and Description Form
GPS Unit # ______________________________; GPS File Name: ______________________________
Bearing
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N; _____
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Waypoint: ________; Net # ___:___,___,___,___,___,___ E ___,___,___,___,___,___,___ N;
Station Map:
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Appendix D. End of Banding Day Duties
End of Banding Day Duties
Closing nets:
If nets were put up the night before, furl nets and process the remaining birds, then take down
nets.
If nets were put up in the morning, take nets down then process the remaining birds. (We
want closing time to approximate opening time.)
Store poles to the left of the fixed end.
Place stick in PVC to make it easier to find next time and to prevent small critter mortality.
Coil and hide ropes. This is especially important at public-use sites such as ODES and TOPS
(check “Site Status” white board for what equipment should be removed). Place the net-stick
(used to raise and lower net) pointing to each of the rope coils so they will be easy to find.
As soon as all nets are down, count them before putting away to make sure all are accounted
for.
After last bird is processed:
Complete tally.
CHECK DATA, including Banding Data Sheets, Journal Form, Area Searches, and Species
Checklist (using breeding status codes). This is the best time to resolve questions about any of
the data, while it is still fresh and everyone is still together. Make sure any signs of breeding are
noted on Journal Form.
Remove all debris from all bird bags used. Prepare for washing as needed.
Note any equipment or supplies used from kit that need replacing or repairing on the Band Kit
Inventory form.
Pack up kit.
Check area prior to leaving for items forgotten. Pick up all trash (your own and any other left
by others).
If traveling to another site:
Drive to next site.
Use the cellular phone or stop at a pay phone to check in with your supervisor (see below).
Complete vehicle log for the day.
As appropriate, set up nets, furled with flagging on the net to prevent unfurling, and clear any
vegetation in net lanes or on trails as needs it. Coordinate among banding team members on
start up time in morning.
As appropriate, set up owl nets and check cd player, if required. Schedule net check times and
responsibility.
Relax, study, and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Appendix D. End of Banding Day Duties
Upon returning to field station:
Complete vehicle log for the day.
Unload and clean out vehicle.
Replace and/or repair any supplies or equipment in kit. Line out and initial entry on Journal
Form when completed.
Place all data (completed Banding Data, Journal, Area Search, and Species Checklist forms) in
the data box. File all recap, hummingbird, and unbanded data forms by date and all other
banding data forms filed by band size, then band number. File Journal forms, Area Search
forms, and Species Checklist forms by site, then date.
Inventory and replenish, and store kit appropriately (do not leave in vehicle unless locked or on
cabin porch).
Update station needs on board.
Check in with your supervisor (see below) if they are not present at field station.
Prepare for next day. Load equipment and supplies.
Complete other tasks such as data proofing and entry, study, Black Tern surveys, etc..
Catch up on your field notebook, relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Appendix E. End of Banding Cycle Duties
End of the Banding Cycle Duties
The following is a list of tasks that should be completed at the conclusion of each work
session for banding crews. This will allow efficient and prepared work for the following
banding cycle.
Inventory and replenish supplies in banding kit, report diminished supplies o field crew
leader or supervisor.
Download all appropriate pictures from work and/or personal digital cameras onto
appropriate computer (per supervisor instruction).
Remove dirty bird bags. Coordinate a laundering session with other crews for the
weekend. Use petty cash (or per supervisor instruction).
Recharge the used warming pads – place in boiling water until totally clear and liquid
inside (about 5 minutes); cool and dry before replacing into kit.
Empty, rinse, and sterilize all sugar water bottles and stoppers used during the week.
Make sure they are dry and replace in banding kit.
Charge spent batteries.
Charge crew phone.
Remove all completed data forms from binders/clipboards. Place in appropriate
COMPLETED DATA binders (or designated location per supervisor instruction).
Place all full feather sampling envelopes in zip lock baggie and put in freezer.
Identify and remove any mist nets needing substantial repair. These should be repair
priorities for the end-of-week office sessions. If a net is not functional and will impair the
use of the kit for the following week it should be repaired during the office day or
during the weekend.
Record any important notes about the sites you visited on the site status whiteboard.
Appendix F. KBMN Banding Code Sheet
CLOACAL PROTUBERANCE
N
No protuberance evident
S
Small; slight distention from abdomen, cloaca slightly enlarged at base, still narrow at tip
M
Medium; obvious distention from abdomen, columnar shape (base & tip approximately equal
diameter)
L
Large; bulbous shape (tip greater diameter than base)
BROOD PATCH
N
No brood patch present; breast and upper abdomen more or less feathered, nonfeathered areas of
beast and abdomen are smooth, without vascularization
S
Smooth skin; loss of breast and some abdomen feathers, but most of the area is still rather smooth,
dark red
V
Vascularized; abdominal skin thickened (puffy) with increased fluid and vascularization, peak of
brood patch development
W
Wrinkled; abdominal skin thinning, wrinkly, scaly
M
Molting; pin feathers emerging on breast and abdomen
FAT
Furculum
Abdomen
N
No fat tissue present; region is concave
No fat tissue present
T
Trace fat tissue present; region concave, <5% filled
None or trace
L
(Thin) Layer fat tissue present; 5-33% filled
Trace or thin layer
H
Half (34-66%) filled
Small patches present
F
Fully filled; level with clavicles, 67-100% filled
Covering pad; slightly mounded
B
Bulging slightly over clavicles
Well mounded
G
Greatly bulging over clavicles
Greatly distended mound
V
Very extensive fat pads; fat tissue contiguous from furculum to abdomen
Appendix F. KBMN Banding Code Sheet
BODY MOLT
N
No molt present
T
Trace molt; a few, perhaps adventitious, molting feathers in just one feather tract
L
Light molt; more than one feather tract
M
Medium molt; 1/3-2/3 of feather tracts with molting feathers
H
Heavy molt; >2/3 of feather tracts with molting feathers
WING MOLT
N
No molt
S
Symmetrical molt
A
Adventitious (asymmetrical) molt
PRIMARY FEATHER WEAR
N
No wear; feather edges perfect with entire edge light-colored, including the tips
S
Slight wear; feather edges slightly worn with no fraying or nicks, edges often light-colored except
at tips
L
Light wear; feathers definitely worn, but with little fraying or nicks
M
Moderate wear; considerable wear with definite fraying, nicks and chips obvious along edges
H
Heavy wear; feathers very heavily worn and frayed, tips often worn completely away
X
Excessive wear; feathers extremely ragged and torn, shafts usually exposed beyond the vane, with
all tips usually worn completely away
JUVENAL PLUMAGE (excluding FF)
N
No Juvenal plumage present
L
Less than half Juvenal plumage is present
H
Half or more Juvenal plumage remains, some 1st Basic (Formative) plumage is present
F
Full Juvenal plumage; has not yet begun 1st Prebasic (Preformative) molt
Appendix F. KBMN Skull Code Sheet
SKULL PNEUMATIZATION
N
No pneumatization, only a single, thin layer of bone covers
the entire brain, with no white spots showing.
T
Trace of pneumatization at the very back of the skull.
Trace appears as an opaque, grayish crescent or very
small triangular area. Between 1% and 5% of the skull is
pneumatized.
L
H
Less than 1/3 pneumatized, but some is obvious.
Generally, the posterior part of the cranium has
triangular or circular shaped areas of small white dots,
usually distinctly contrasting with non-pneumatized
areas.
Half the skull pneumatized, between 1/3 and 2/3
complete. Typically, most of the rear half is complete,
as well as part of the front, extending to the eyes (the
front is usually difficult to see because of dense, short
feathers).
G
Greater than 2/3 pneumatized, but at least a small area
is not complete (less than 95% complete).
A
Almost complete pneumatization, between 95% and 99%
complete. These birds show tiny dull, pinkish areas or
“windows”.
F
Fully pneumatized skull.
Appendix G. KBMN Empidonax flycatcher data form.
C o lo rs
+ /- p1 0-p5
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
3
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
4
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
6
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
7
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
9
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
10
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
11
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
12
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
13
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
14
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
15
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
16
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
17
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
18
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
19
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Tail
L eng th
Outer Web Of Rects
p9 -p5
Yes = Y
No = N
r6 – r1
p6 -p1 0
E m arg in atio n
C o mp lete = C
Bro ken = B
R o un d = R
Tea r D ro p = T
Wing –Tail
+/-
A b s en t = A
In d istin ct = I
D ist in ct = D
p6 Emarginated?
Bill
L o ng est p–
W idth L o ng est s
Eye-ring Sh a pe (use 1-2 co des)
O liv e = O
P in k = P
W h ite = W
Ye llo w = Y
p10-p4 (>, <, ?)
Bill
(fro m
nares)
B lack = K
B ro w n = N
D u s ky = D
G reen = R
G ray = G
Longest p–p6
Eye
E ye
R ing R ing
Shape C olo r
Lower Mandible (Tip)
Leg
C o lo r
Lower Mandible (Base)
Chin Color
Throat Color
Under Part Color
Upper Part Color
Note #
K L A M A T H N E T W O R K E M P ID O N A X N O T E S
N o tes:
Appendix H. KBMN Precise-Ageing Target Species List
Klamath Bird Monitoring Network Precise-Ageing Target Species List
Criteria for separating SY and ASY of select species in Spring-Summer (HY and AHY in
Fall-Winter for some species). Criteria are numbered in order of reliability.
Looking at the 1st and 2nd criteria should allow for acurate precise-ageing with most
individuals; however, a consensus of characters should always be used in age
determination.
A STJA
P/C
2
3
1
A WESJ
P/C
2
3
1
A WETA
P/C
A SPTO
P-I / C
L/
1
2
A BHGR
P/C
P-I / L
2
1
A LAZB
I/C
L/
3
A BUOR
P-I / C
L/
B RBSA
I / I-C
B DOWO
I / I-C
B HAWO
P-I / L-P 1
3
1
2
p10
bill color
mouth color
plumage
rect shape
pp
ss
terts
pp covs
pp covs v. gr covs
Alula / Carpal
gr covs
med covs
PA: SY/ASY
PB: SY/ASY
Species
Rank
Molt Limits
4
3
4
2
2
1
3
4
1
2
3
1
2
I / I-C
3
1
2
B NOFL
I / I-C
3
1
2
B AMDI
P/C
1
B SWTH
P/C
1
3
2
B HETH
P/C
1
3
2
B YWAR
P/C
B YBCH
I/C
B LEGO
P-I / I-C
P-I / P
1
4
2
3
L-I /
2
3
3
2
3
4
1
4
2
1
Reminder: Refer to Sakai and Ralph 2007 & Pyle 1997 age key and molt descriptions
Appendix I. KBMN How Aged How Sexed Code Sheet
How Aged and Sexed Code Reference Sheet
Physical Characters
B Brood patch
C Cloacal protuberance
@ Egg in oviduct
E Eye color
I Mouth/Bill color or striations on bill (hummingbirds)
G Gape
F Feet or legs
S Skull ossification
Q Measurements (e.g. quantification of any part, tail length, culmen, bill depth, wing length, mass index)
record specific measurement in Notes
Y Symmetrical flight feather molt -record standard molt notation in Notes
Plumage Characters
st
H 1 Basic (= Howell et al. Formative ) plumage (Hatching year feathers)
N 1st Alternate plumage
K Adult Basic plumage
A Adult Alternate plumage
st
J Juvenal (= Howell et al. 1 Basic ) plumage - retained juv feathers (by color and pattern - not texture)
P Plumage - use for sexing only - use specific plumage codes for ageing
L Plumage color patch length or extent - record in Notes the specific measurement e.g. C = Crown,
W = Wing feathers, T = Tail feathers, S = Spot on center of feather (e.g. C = 15mm 80% grn)
Feather Characters
W Feather wear - record specific tract & wear code in Notes
V Feather shape - record specific tract in Notes using Molt Limit codes (e.g. C = D)
T Feather texture
R Prejuvenal molt (retained Natal Down feathers)
= Fault bar alignment
# Growth bar alignment
M Molt limit - record specific tract code (below) in Molt Limit field w/ additional info in Notes as necessary
Remaining or Undetermined
O Other - character(s) not elsewhere codifiedrecord in Notes
Z Less precise age, but greater certainty (e.g. AHY vs SY) - record in Notes specific criteria conflict(s)
U Age or Sex undetermined after examination
X Age or sex determination not attempted
Molt Limit Field Codes For Specific Tracts
N No molt limit found
P Primaries
A Alula
R Rectrices
B Body feathers
S Secondaries
C Primary Coverts
V Primary coverts vs greater coverts
G Greater coverts
W UnderWing Coverts
L Lesser coverts
U Undetermined after examination
M Median coverts
9 Molt Limit determination not attempted
20100411
Appendix J. KBMN Banding Quick Reference Sheet
Code
RBSA
DOWO
WEWP
WIFL
HAFL
DUFL
WEFL
CAVI
WAVI
STJA
WESJ
BCCH
MOCH
CBCH
BUSH
RBNU
BRCR
BEWR
HOWR
WIWR
GCKI
RCKI
SWTH
HETH
AMRO
WREN
OCWA
NAWA
YWAR
AUWA
MYWA
TOWA
HEWA
MGWA
COYE
WIWA
YBCH
WETA
SPTO
CHSP
FOSP
SOSP
LISP
WCSP
GCSP
ORJU
BHGR
LAZB
RWBL
BHCO
PUFI
PISI
LEGO
AMGO
Common Name
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Western Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Hammond's Flycatcher
Dusky Flycatcher
Western Flycatcher
Cassin's Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Steller's Jay
Western Scrub-Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Bushtit
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bewick's Wren
House Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Wrentit
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Audubon's Warbler
Myrtle Warbler
Townsend's Warbler
Hermit Warbler
MacGillivray's Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Wilson's Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Western Tanager
Spotted Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Oregon Junco
Black-headed Grosbeak
Lazuli Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
# visible pp
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
p10
Early skull date Band size
Tab Pyle page
Reduced
N/A
1A, 1B
106
Reduced
N/A
1B
119
Full length
1-Oct
0
147
Full length
15-Oct
0A
162
Full length
15-Oct
0, 0A
167
Full length
15-Oct
0, 0A
169
Full length
15-Oct
0, 0A
173
Variable
15-Oct
1
232
Variable
15-Oct
0
236
Reduced
15-Oct
3, 2, 3B, 3A
249
Reduced
15-Oct
2, 3
258
Reduced
1-Oct
0
295
Reduced
1-Oct
0, 0A
297
Reduced
1-Sep
0, 0A
299
Minute
15-Aug
0A
308
Reduced
15-Oct
0
310
Reduced
1-Oct
0A, 0
316
Reduced
1-Sep
1
323
Reduced
15-Oct
0, 0A
325
Reduced
1-Oct
0A, 0
327
Reduced
1-Sep
0A
333
Reduced
1-Oct
0A
335
Reduced
1-Oct
1B
371
Reduced
1-Nov
1B, 1
373
Reduced
15-Oct
2
379
Reduced
1-Sep
1
384
Invisible
15-Aug
0, 0A
430
Invisible
1-Oct
0A, 0
433
Invisible
15-Sep
0, 0A
442
Invisible
15-Sep
0, 0A
460
Invisible
15-Oct
0, 0A
460
Invisible
15-Oct
0A, 0
468
Invisible
1-Oct
0A
471
Invisible
1-Oct
1, 0
527
Invisible
1-Sep
0, 0A
529
Invisible
15-Sep
0A, 0
533
Invisible
1-Oct
1B, 1A, 2
538
Invisible
1-Nov
1B
550
Invisible
1-Nov
1A, 2
555
Invisible
1-Oct
0, 0A
569
Invisible
1-Dec
1A, 1B
586
Invisible
1-Oct
1B, 1
589
Invisible
15-Nov
0
591
Invisible
15-Oct
1B
597
Invisible
15-Nov
1B, 1A
600
Invisible
1-Oct
0
602
Invisible
1-Oct
1A
609
Invisible
1-Sep
1
614
Invisible
15-Oct
♂=2, ♀=1A
628
Invisible
1-Dec
♂=1A, ♀=1B
657
Invisible
15-Nov
1, 1B
693
Invisible
15-Oct
0, 0A
714
Invisible
15-Nov
0A, 0
717
Invisible
15-Dec
0, 0A
721
Appendix K. Example of Correctly-completed Field Interpretation Log Form
Appendix K. Example of Correctly-completed Field Interpretation Log Form
Appendix L. Example of a correctly-completed KBMN Area Search form
Appendix M. Example of Correctly-completed Species Checklist Form
Appendix M. Example of Correctly-completed Species Checklist Form
Appendix N. Avian Influenza Monitoring; Cloacal Swab Sample Collection
Avian Influenza Monitoring; Cloacal Swab Sample Collection
Correct cloacal swabbing provides a sample of cells from the inner surface of the
cloacal wall, and is accomplished by inserting the swab into the cloaca and slowly
rotating the swab to collect these cells. The cloacal swab sample should be paired with a
feather sample. Collect the feather sample first. If, for whatever reason the cloacal swab
sample is not collected, the feather sample can be used for other studies. Be certain that
vial numbers are recorded on feather envelops, and species and band number are recorded
on vials.
To obtain a cloacal swab sample, take the following steps:
(1) Hold the bird in the bander’s grip and remove the Dacron swab from its package,
being very careful to let nothing touch the tip of the swab;
(2) Use your fingers to secure the bird’s legs and tail;
(3) Blow on the vent of the bird to part the feathers, exposing the cloaca;
(4) Gently and slowly insert the Dacron head of the swab into bird’s cloacal cavity.
Remember that cloacal cavities of small birds can be very shallow; thus the swab head
should not be inserted very far into the cloaca;
(5) Gently twirl or rotate the swab back and forth 2-5 times to exfoliate (collect) cells
from the cloacal wall;
(6) Remove the swab from the cloacal cavity and release the bird.
To place the cloacal swab sample in a plastic vial and store the used vials, take the
following steps:
(1) While still holding the cloacal swab in your hand, remove the cap from a plastic vial
and place the cap in the clean, empty film canister which was provided for this use.
Continue to assure that nothing touches the tip of the cloacal swab;
(2) Place the swab head- first into the ethanol in the plastic vial and briefly but rapidly
spin the swab 2-5 times in the vial to suspend any collected material in the ethanol;
(3) Pull the swab partially out of the ethanol and use the diagonal cutting pliers to cut the
aluminum shaft of the swab about one inch above the swab head;
(4) This will allow the swab head to remain in the vial while you tightly screw the cap
back onto the vial and seal the contents;
(5) Use the fine-point felt-tipped pen to mark the cap of the vial to indicate that it has
been used, and to record the four- letter species code and band number on the vial;
(6) Fill out the cloacal swab sampling data sheet by entering the band number, sample
vial number (from the bar code), four-letter species code, age, sex, date, station, and any
relevant comments onto the data sheet. Don’t forget to fill out the location code on top of
the data sheet;
(7) Place the used vial into a plastic bag with the other vials used that day and store the
plastic bag with used vials in a shaded, cool location until the end of the day’s banding
session;
(8) At the end of the day of banding, store the plastic bag containing all used vials in a
cool and dry location until all fifty vials in a given kit have been used (they do NOT need
to be refrigerated).
Appendix O. CSMN Isotopes Sampling Procedure
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Migrant Bird Isotopes Study Procedure
By Robert I. Frey and Keith W. Larson
15 June 2008
Objective: To collect paired feather and claw samples from all age-sex classes of each
for target species (listed below) at sites above snow-line and below snow-line proximate
to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM). Samples collected will be used to
describe isotopic ratios of carbon and hydrogen to determine whether birds wintering in
the Rogue River Valley are altitudinal or latitudinal migrants. Isotopes ratios found in
the inert kertin of these tissues represent different temporal snapshots of the birds' diet at
the time of tissue synthesis, thus reflecting molting origins for the feathers and of growth
origin for the claws.
Sample Collection Procedure: It is important to pair the feather and claw samples, so
the feather samples must be collected first (should the bird escape afterwards, the feather
sample can be used in other studies without the claw sample). We will collect a
minimum of five samples from each age-sex class (i.e., HY-M, HY-F, HY-U, AHY-M,
AHY-F, and AHY-U) of each species.
In target species captures, collect the r1 and r6 feathers and place them in a feather
sampling envelope. Then, collect a claw sample from the right foot hallux (large rear
toe) claw. The claw sample is a 1-2 mm (less for smaller species, more for larger)
segment snipped from the claw tip. The claw sample is placed in the same envelope with
the feathers sample. When clipping the claw, have another person hold the sample
envelope directly below the claw during clipping. Hold the nail clipper so that the claw
sample can fall directly into the envelope, while covering the opposite side of the nail
clipper so the sample does not shoot away during clipping. It is critical that you take
your time when clipping the claw as the sample is very small and easily lost. Be certain
to record all data fields on the sample envelope and the code CSNM in the UCLA# field.
Sampling Sites:
High elevation:
ASWA (KBO CES Ashland Watershed, Rogue River NF)
JOHN (KBO CES Johnson Creek, BLM Ashland Resource Area)
Low elevation:
JENC (KBO CES Jefferson Nature Center, Medford)
NMTP (KBO CES North Mountain Park, Ashland)
WIWI (KBO CES Willow Wind Community Learning Center, Ashland)
Sampling Period: We will sample during the breeding through the post-breeding, premigration seasons. This period will be defined by the occurrence of birds in breeding
condition and in active pre-basic molt (approximately May through August). Sampling
will be independent (as applicable to sample minimums) at the high and low elevation
sites.
Appendix O. CSMN Isotopes Sampling Procedure
Procedural Notes:
Bleeding - Occasionally, during the claw tip clip, bleeding will occur at the snip point.
The wound must be treated with the Blood Stopper powder. Pour a small amount of
powder into cap. Dip moistened cotton tip into powder and apply directly to the area
being treated. Apply moderate pressure for 5-10 seconds. (NOTE: Keep the desiccant
pouch in the powder vial at all times to keep consistency of powder.)
Target Species:
Hermit Thrush (HETH)
American Robin (AMRO)
Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler (AUWA)
Song Sparrow (SOSP)
Oregon Dark-eyed Junco (ORJU)
Red-winged Blackbird (RWBL)
Sampling Kit Contents (in a sealed baggie):
• Nail clippers (2)
• Feather sample envelopes (50)
• Blood Stopper with cotton-tipped swabs (in separate, sealed baggie)
• Copy of this procedure
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE LOCATION AND VEGETATION FORM:
THE RELEVÉ TECHNIQUE
C. John Ralph, U.S. Forest Service, Redwood Science Laboratory, 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, CA 95521
Bruce Bingham, U.S. Forest Service, Region 6 Regional Office, P.O. Box 3623, 333 Southwest First Avenue, Portland,
OR, 97208-3623
Objective--This is a system for assessing habitat characteristics in an efficient and timely fashion at
vertebrate monitoring stations. Considerations--The information collected will provide enough data to describe the
vegetation formation, association, and structure. The data have some logical relationship with bird requirements for
feeding or nesting. The method provides enough quantitative information for correlative analyses and ordinations.
It is flexible so that it can be applied to any vegetation formation, including deserts, grasslands, and forests. The
primary purpose is to provide corroboration of major plant species to aerial photos and other remote sensing. There
may be additional project specific instructions that are associated with this general protocol.
General Procedure--Establish a relevé, a variable-radius circle centered, for example, on a point count
station. The size of the plot will vary, depending on the homogeneity and density of the vegetation. Generally, this
would be a radius of less than 50 m, and often about 25 m. Begin by walking around the point and identifying the
species that make up the major structural components of the habitat. Walk around the point for no more than
5-10 minutes, or until you stop adding new species, whichever is less. Once the search is stopped, the distance
from the stopping point, or the outermost boundary of vegetation that the observer can see from the point center, is
the radius of the plot and is treated as a boundary for estimating relative abundance.
Occasionally a point has two or more vegetation types that very clearly differ from each other. Under these
conditions, establish two relevés, one in each. An example would be along a road, with a clear cut on one side and a
mature forest on the other. No more than two relevés should be established at a point.
Determine the number of major layers of vegetation within your relevé by their dominant growth form: tree
(T), shrub (S), herb (H), and moss (M). The classification of the T, S, H, and M layers does not limit the species
which will be assigned to the layers (e.g. only trees in the T layer); this process merely attempts to describe the
structure of the vegetation.
In a forest with all layers, the tree layer is the uppermost stratum, dominated by mature trees. It may be a
single layer, or consist of two or more sublayers recognizable by marked changes in density and canopy status (see
below). The shrub layer is dominated by shrubs or small trees. The herb layer is dominated by low growing plants,
typically non-woody, although seedlings and other shorter trees and shrubs may be present. The moss layer is
dominated by such plants as mosses, lichens, and liverworts. Bare ground and litter are ignored for this
classification scheme.
For purposes of bird-habitat association, only species of trees and shrubs need be identified and recorded in
the data below. For other plants, a common name such as FERN, HERB, MOSS, LICH, will suffice for most
JLS 20070420
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
purposes. Plant ecologists have used some species in the herb or ground cover layers as indicative of a particular
plant association. In this case, the species should be recorded.
It is important that the total time spent taking information not exceed 15 minutes. In simple, one-layered,
and open vegetation, it can easily take less than 10 minutes per station. If you are taking longer than this, you are
probably debating too much over minor details, especially layers of trees.
Materials and equipment-- You will need a topographic map, standard compass with adjustable declination
and built-in clinometer, and accurate descriptions to locate your sample points. You may want plant ID books,
measuring tape, and a clinometer for calibrating your tree height estimates.
DATA TO BE TAKEN
LOCATION
State: The 2 letter abbreviation for the state where the vegetation is sampled.
Region/Quad: The first 8 letters of the USGS 7.5’ topographic quadrangle name containing the relevé.
Route/Reach: The census route name or river reach where the relevé was conducted.
Station #: The station or point number where the relevé was conducted.
Observer: The first, middle and last name initials of the observer who conducted the relevé.
Easting: Record the 6 number Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Easting value taken from a map or handheld
Global Positioning System (GPS) unit.
Northing: Record the 7 number UTM Northing value taken from a map or handheld GPS unit.
+/-: Record, in meters, the accuracy of the UTM coordinates taken from the GPS unit or estimated from a map.
Month-Day-Year: The date of the survey, please use the 2 numbers for month, day and 4 numbers for year.
Plot Radius (m): Recorded as the maximum distance in meters from the point that the observer could see the
ground. If the observer can see out to 15 m on one side of the road, and 20 m out on the opposite side of the road,
the two distances are averaged to obtain the radius of the relevé.
B/UB: B = Recently burned vegetation (e.g. scorched shrubs, trees with brown leaves still on branches, etc) with
greater than 10% cover within the plot. UB = Plot is unburned or with less than 10% burned vegetation.
JLS 20070420
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
R/U: R = Riparian plant species comprise a minimum of 5% of the plot radius. U = Plot radius is not composed of at
least 5% riparian plant species.
Water: Recorded as '+' if water is present within the plot radius, or ' - ' if there is not. Permanent or semipermanent
sources of water are recorded (e.g. flowing creeks, seeps, or ponds).
TYP: The type of water present within 100 m of the plot center; F = Flowing water, e.g. (river, stream or creek), P =
Pond, W = Wetland, L = Lake.
AREA: The size of the entire riparian area (includes contiguous riparian outside of the plot); 1 = less than 0.5
hectares, 2 = between 0.5 and 4 ha, 3 = >4 ha.
Location Notes: Describe any unusual site characteristics, problems encountered or changes related to the location.
VEGETATION
We consider that there are up to 4 vegetative layers (Tree layer, shrub layer, herb layer, moss layer) within each
relevé. In addition, there can be one or more sublayers that comprise each vegetative layer. Following is a set of
height classes used to separate vegetative layers. Heights are relative to the ground or fallen logs, and Height
Classes are used only as a guide and are not taken as absolute values.
Tree Layer: Trees and shrubs usually taller than 5 m.
Shrub Layer: Shrubs, small trees, and tall herbs approximately between 50 cm to 5 m tall.
Herb Layer: Herbs, small shrubs, and very young trees 10cm to 50 cm tall.
Moss Layer: Plants less than 10 cm high, on the ground or fallen logs.
Total Cover: For each of the 4 layers estimate of all plants combined (i.e. up to 100% cover) using the BraunBlanquet Cover Abundance Scale.
5 = > 75 percent cover
4 = 50 - 75 percent cover
3 = 25 - 50 percent cover
2 = 5 - 25 percent cover
1 = numerous, but less than 5 percent cover, or scattered with cover up to 5 percent
+ = few, with small cover
JLS 20070420
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
r = rare, solitary, with small cover
0 = none
Height: Recorded to the nearest meter for the tree layers and the nearest decimeter (0.1 m) for the shrub layers, the
average height of the lower and upper bounds of each of the four primary layers.
Species (under height): Recorded as the species (use the 4 letter code- first two letters of the genus and the first two
letters of the species) that is most common in the upper and lower limits of the layer.
D.b.h: For the tree layer, record the maximum and the minimum diameter at breast height to the nearest cm, of the
largest and smallest tree in the layer.
Species (under d.b.h.): Recorded as the species of tree with maximum d.b.h. and the species of tree with the
minimum d.b.h.
Number of Sublayers: Recorded as the number of very obvious sublayers in each primary layer. Sublayers need
not be recorded unless they are very obvious. Very rarely would there be more than two. The sublayers can be
useful to the plant ecologist by providing a quick overview of the structure of a primary layer. They are primarily
relevant to the tree layer, although sometimes are seen in the shrub layer. Record the number of sublayers visible in
each primary layer. Sublayers are sometimes obvious when one species is shorter than the dominant species of the
upper portion of the layer. In addition, sublayers are sometimes formed by two cohorts of one species, possibly
related to some event. For example, a thick stand of young, 6 m Douglas-fir may include scattered, old, emergent
individuals as well. Rarely, a third, lower layer of shade tolerant species is clear. If sublayers are present, they are
obvious. Don’t spend much time trying to see sublayers.
SPECIES COMPOSITION DATA
Species: Use the 4 letter code to record the plant species. It is important to use a standardized 4 letter code. If you
are unsure of the species or proper code please use the notes field to write an explanation and use a reference (e.g.
http://plants.usda.gov/) and look up the correct code or species identification.
Sublayer: If no sublayers are present, only the primary layers (T, S, H) are used in the first row of the sublayer field.
If sublayers are present, the primary layer letter on the top is followed by a sublayer number (e.g., T1 (tallest trees),
T2, S1, S2...) below it on the bottom in the same column.
Cover (under Sublayer): Use the Braun-Blanquet Cover Abundance Scale to record the percent cover each species
covers out of the entire circle. Since all the trees (or shrubs) in a primary layer can overlap, the total of all the
JLS 20070420
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
species can add up to more than the total cover recorded above.
Vegetation Notes: Describe unknown or unique plant codes used. If you are unsure of a code or used a common
name please make a note of it here.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If there is more than one observer, it is strongly recommended that they all go out and practice collecting
vegetation data together, comparing results. This allows observers to realize variations between each other and
arrive at standardization. It is advisable to practice estimating d.b.h. and height of trees at a variety of distances and
then measure those trees to test accuracy. Have the same observers do all the vegetation sampling in your study.
People who have not trained with the group can decrease accuracy and precision of the vegetation sampling in the
region. Make sure that all observers know most or all of the plants and trees in the region to be sampled. If a plant
cannot be identified in the field, bring it back to be keyed out later. Do this only if the plant makes up a significant
part of the relevé(s). The same observer who conducted the point counts along a particular route, should be the
observer to sample the vegetation there. He is the most familiar with the route and the locations of the sampling
points.
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Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
Klamath Bird Observatory Addendum to:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE LOCATION AND VEGETATION FORM: THE RELEVÉ
TECHNIQUE
Effective May 1, 2008
As is noted in the general vegetation protocol, there may be additional
instructions that are associated with specific projects. The details that are
provided here are in effect for all Klamath Bird Observatory projects being
conducted in 2007. This information overrides the general protocol whenever
there are discrepancies.
1. REGION/QUAD has been replaced with PROJECT.
Project: Project code.
2. GPS coordinates do not need to be recorded.
EASTING/NORTHING/+-: Leave blank.
3. The code for Burned or Unburned has changed.
B/U: B = Recently burned vegetation (e.g. scorched shrubs, trees with brown
leaves still on branches, etc) with greater than 10% cover within the plot.
U = Plot is unburned or with less than 10% burned vegetation.
4. For all applicable layers, estimate cover classes for moss (MOSS), lichen
(LICH), and mistletoe (MIST).
Record MOSS, LICH, and MIST in all layers in which they occur in the species
composition data section.
5. All snags within the plot are counted according to size class. A snag is a
completely dead tree that has not been chainsawed and is > 5 feet in
height.
SNAGS: The number of snags according to size class (<14.9, 15-27.9, 28-63.9,
64-101.9, >102 cm dbh) should be recorded. They can be tallied while you are
collecting data on the plot, and then summed in the Count column.
6. Fill in 0’s whenever applicable, including total cover, sublayers, for
cover throughout the species composition data, and the snag count.
JLS 20070420
Appendix P. KBMN Location and Vegetation Protocol and Form
LOCATION DATA
STATE
PROJECT/REGION
POINT
SPLIT
MONTH DAY
SITE CODE
OBSERVER
YEAR
EASTING
Page
SITE NAME
of
NORTHING
PLOT RADIUS (m) WATER(+/-) B/U
+/- (m)
R/U TYPE AREA
LOCATION NOTES
LAYER
TOT.
COV. LOW
HEIGHT(m)
SPECIES
UPPER SPECIES
MIN
DBH(cm)
SPECIES
MAX
SPECIES
#
SB
~ >5m
TREE
~ .5-5m
SHRUB
~ .1-.5m
HERB
~ < .1m
MOSS
SPECIES COMPOSITION DATA
Cover Classes
5 = > 75%
SUBLAYER
SPECIES
SUBLAYER
SPECIES
4 = 50 - 75%
3 = 25 - 50%
2 = 5 -25%
1 = < 5%, numerous
+ = few
R = rare, solitary
0 = None
SNAGS
DBH (cm)
Tally
Count
< 14.9
15-27.9
28-63.9
64-101.9
> 102
INITIAL
DATE
VEGETATION NOTES
PROOFED
COPIED
ENTERED
Observer's Full Name__________________________________
Rev. 20070424JLS
JLS 20070420
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
4/6/10
SMALL OWL CAPTURE AND CENSUS PROTOCOL
for the
KLAMATH DEMOGRAPHIC MONITORING NETWORK
C. John Ralph, Robert I. Frey, and Lauren Morgan-Outhisack
Background
The purpose of this study is to (1) gain information useful for analysis of population
trends and (2) develop an effective, integrated monitoring regime for these difficult to study and
poorly-understood birds. Additional information about migration patterns and molt cycles,
otherwise difficult or impossible to collect, will be made available through this study. We are
targeting four small owl species, the Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Northern PygmyOwl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl; however, all owls and other nocturnal bird captures and
detections are of great value. Censuses are conducted during the mist net capture effort, both
using an audio-lure.
Site Selection
The owl capture and census efforts are conducted at Constant Effort Station (CES) sites
that call for overnight camping, Rapid Ornithological Inventory (ROI) sites, and
opportunistically at field residences. Set up the nets and the MP3/CD player at a distance where
you can clearly hear the broadcast, usually ca. 50-100m. The nets should be close to the camp so
that it will be easy to check them during the night and to conduct censuses (see below).
Select a site away from water and not at the edge of a meadow, so as to avoid bats. Find
a spot where you can run two parallel nets about 5-6m apart, or four nets in a box or three nets in
a triangle, ideally with some 2-3m high saplings or shrubs in between. The MP3 (or CD) player
should be placed within these saplings and shrubs, elevated about 1m, if possible. This
vegetation serves as perches that the owls will be trying to land on as they fly in to investigate
the calls (and hence hit the net).
Permanent netting arrays should be set up at CES and field residence sites. Ideally, a 4net array should be established, although 2-4 is acceptable.
Audio-lure
Each owl kit contains a MP3 player or CD prerecorded with vocalizations of the four
target species. The audio-lure is comprised of eight tracks: each species track in composed of a
thirteen minute vocal. Between each species track is a two minute silent track. If the effort
includes the use of four-species mix, program the player to “Repeat” which will result in
continuous playing of the eight tracks. If the effort includes a single-species vocal audio-lure,
program the player to play the single species and subsequent silent tracks and then to “Repeat”.
The volume is set at a level which can be heard clearly at a distance of 100m. This can be tested
by a person pacing off 100m and communicating sound levels with banding kit radios to another
person at the player (mark the volume setting for future reference).
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
Operation time
There are two options for the duration and timing of the owl monitoring effort, (1) from
sunset to sunrise, and (2) a blocked effort with three hours following sunset and one hour before
sunrise. For the sunset to sunrise effort, begin within 15 minutes of sunset and end within 15
minutes of sunrise. As this effort-duration will span the late hours of one day and the early hours
of another, be certain to record the date and time fields on the Owl Monitoring Journal form
correctly using the 24 hour clock. For the blocked effort, begin the first within 15 minutes of
sunset, ending three hours later, and begin the second within an hour and 15 minutes to sunrise,
ending an hour later. The evening and morning efforts are distinct and are documented on
separate parts of the Journal forms.
Nets
Be certain that 61mm mesh nets are used (net bags should always be labeled “owl net”
with flagging). The pocket of the lowermost trammel is set approximately, but not more than,
1m from the substrate. The net-set up procedure described in the Redbook (Ralph et al. 2004) is
used with the addition of a 5’ extension pole (with a pvc or other coupler, unless using the ¾”
conduit that has been pinched at one end serving as a coupler for the 1/2” conduit). The
extension pole is arranged as the base-pole. The guy lines and swivel-snap attached to the 10’
½” wide conduit above the 5’ extension pole.
Checking the nets
Check the nets on a schedule consistent with CES and ROI effort guidelines described in
the Redbook. Small owls tend to lie still in mist nets and non-target animals are not likely to be
caught, so under favorable conditions the time between checks can safely be extended somewhat.
When able to, turn the audio-lure off while checking nets. This will limit the amount of time
owls may see/hear banders near the owl nets. Use a headlamp to thoroughly examine the nets.
The net check should include viewing the net’s length from one end (this angle of view makes
any small object in the net readily visible in the darkness).
Extracting small owls
For all owls, the talons are the danger, not the beak. Owls use their talons for defense.
For the smaller owls, the body grasp technique will work, as long as you avoid the talons. The
feet-first extraction technique may be preferable since the feet are controlled, and small owl
wings can become quite tangled in the large-mesh netting.
Extracting other things
Occasionally, a bat may be captured during the netting effort. Sometimes the bat can be
extracted by carefully pulling apart and inverting the net pocket it is trapped in and shaking
gently until it drops out. A light thin glove ( ideally made of deer-skin or goat-skin) should
always be used on the hand used to control the bat. This is a necessary precaution against
disease transmission from bat bites or saliva. Control the bat’s head by placing the index finger
of the gloved hand (left hand for right-handed people) under the chin and the thumb at the base
of the skull. A tight grip is not necessary. If the bat bites your hand or the glove, blowing in its
face usually causes it to release. However,
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
having the glove in its mouth usually placates the bat a bit. Techniques used in holding and
extracting bats are much as they are for birds except for the teeth. Release one wing and then
work on the head. Follow with the second wing. Remove netting from their mouth by gently
pulling on the net and blowing in their face. Pulling too hard can cause a mouth injury. Bats
have a thumb at their wings that occasionally gets tangled in the net.
Look for threads around the tips of the wings, as well as over the wrist. Generally,
releasing the wrist first will allow the tips to slide out easily. Once a wing is out, secure it with
your hand to prevent its re-entanglement. Bats have weak feet and, while they can become
somewhat entangled, they do not grab the netting with them. A crochet hook can help
enormously when untangling the mist net from a bat.
Once bat is released, wash hands with soap and water, regardless of whether you have
been bitten. If a bite breaks your skin, wash the wound with soap, and seek medical assistance
by the next day.
If a large owl is captured, if feasible, call for assistance. The talons of a Great-horned
Owl, for example, can cause a serious injury. One person should concentrate on controlling the
feet while another untangles and later processes the bird.
The only other types of bird likely to be captured is a nightjar (e.g., Common Poor-will
and Common Nighthawk) or a thrush. All bird species captured should be processed and banded
if possible.
Predators
As outlined in the Redbook and NABC manuals, nets should be monitored very closely,
and closed if necessary, with a predator nearby. The nets should be closed and the audio-lure
broadcast discontinued if a large owl e.g., Great-horned Owl, is detected near the net. Although
small owls tend to lie still once caught in a mist net, they may attract an opportunistic predator,
especially a fox. If there is a human settlement nearby, be wary for the presence of domestic cats
and dogs.
Processing
There are several size bands for most owls. Use the leg gauge to determine the best fit.
The lock-on bands must be used when sizes 4 and larger are used. The lock-on band has one end
that crimps over the other to keep the bird from prying the band off. Use the needle-nose pliers
to do this.
Banders should be familiar with the ageing and sexing characters described by Pyle
(1997) for the four target species, especially the shape of outer primaries and molt phonologies
(see also Pyle (1997) pp 67-69). Owls have large flight feathers, making molt limits and
fault/growth bars much easier to see than in most passerines, when there is appropriate lighting.
A black light, if available, could be used to assist in seeing molt limits when shown on the
underside of the flight feathers. The extent of skull ossification is possibly useful for ageing, so
skulling should be attempted on every bird. Iris color should be noted using Pyle color
descriptive terms.
Cloacal protuberance is not developed, however the brood patch is developed by females.
No other reliable sexing criteria are known. The owl should be weighed in the bag, before
starting processing. Place the bird in the bag on the scale, set the tare, and then after the bird is
removed from the bag, place the bag back on the scale, and the
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
value, although a negative value, is the weight of the bird. In additional to the routine data
collected for all captures, record the tail length and nares to bill tip for all owls processed, make
sure that you are measuring the nares to tip correctly for these raptors. Each owl captured should
be photographed at least three times. Take a frontal-view shot (head and breast of the bird), and
close-up shots (fill the frame) of the upper and the lower surfaces of the extended wing. Place in
the frontal-view picture a small but legible label with the date, site code, and last three numbers
of the band. It is better to take too many shots than not enough. When releasing owls, they
should be placed onto an object or the ground and left alone (distance yourself from it at least
several meters). Do not release into the air as is done with other types of birds.
Owl behavior
The banding efforts of our and other investigators indicate that most owls hit the net in
the few hours after dusk and shortly before dawn.
Owls often shut their eyes, a behavior that should not necessarily be construed as a
symptom of stress, as can be the case with passerines. Remember that sunrise is also the time for
them to go to sleep. If you simply leave the owl alone it will leave.
Census
During the two hours following the beginning of the capture effort and/or during the two
hours preceding the ending of the effort, at least three censuses should be conducted. Each
census is 20 minutes long and is conducted at the campsite. Record any bird detections made
during the 20 minutes. Essentially, this is a point count using the audio-lure. The study seeks to
gain information on all nocturnal birds, and the census will provide this for all species, including
those not likely to be captured.
Completing the Owl Monitoring Journal form
The heading information fields are straightforward and follow the same conventions as
those used for CES and ROI efforts. If you are unsure of a Region or Station Code, check with
your supervisor. Use the 24-hour time format (####). Use the weather codes as described in the
Redbook (Ralph et al. 2004). Use the Notes sections to record events that may have influenced
the capture and survey efforts and anything else of interest. Be sure to record the number of nets,
distance between them, height of bottom of nets, and the audio-lure-type i.e., 4-spp., FLOWonly, WESO-only, NOPO-only, NSWO-only.
Capture of owls is an important tool to discover much of the basic biology of these littlestudied species. Enjoy your encounters with them.
Acknowledgements
We thank Ted Weller for input on removing bats from nets.
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
Literature Cited:
Ralph, C. J., K. Hollinger, and R. I. Frey. 2004. Redwood Sciences Laboratory and
Klamath Bird Monitoring Network Mist-Netting Station Management
Procedures. Redwood Sciences Laboratory. Arcata, California.
the
Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds: Part 1. Slate Creek Press.
Bolinas, California.
Equipment Required:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Banding kit including bands of 2, 3, 3B, 3A, 4, 4L, 5, 5L sizes and appropriate pliers;
12m x 2.5m, 61mm mesh mist nets (with appropriate number 10’ poles, 5’ extension
poles, ¾” swivel snaps, 8’ ropes, 2’ ½” rebar stakes);
Portable cd player (with programmable feature); or stand up megaphone;
12V deep cycle battery or other batteries needed to run you amplification system;
Black light;
Power inverter ac/dc, 400a;Headlamp;
Prerecorded four-species vocalization cd or programmed MP3 player;
Deer-skin gloves.
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
Owl Monitoring Journal and Survey
Night Session
ProjectCode: __________; StationCode: __________; Year: __ __ __ __; Month: _____; Day: _____
JOURNAL
SURVEYS
Observer Names and initials:
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
SpeciesCode
Totals
Detections
List Net numbers:__________Number of nets: ______
Configuration of nets: ______________________
(Parallel, Triangle, Square, Line)
Open time: _________; Close time: _________
Notes:
(If nets open overnight, Close time = 2400)
Times Checked: ______; _______; _______; _______
______; _______; _______; _______; _______
Weather:
Cloud Cover %
Precipitation (N,F,M,D,R)
Temperature (°C)
Wind (Beaufort Scale)
Audiolure:
Species Track Time Start
Open
Close
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
SpeciesCode
Totals
Detections
Time Stop
Notes
Notes:
If Species Track = 'ALL', record in notes the species codes.
Capture Summary:
SpeciesCode
Recap
Notes:
New
Unbanded
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
SpeciesCode
Detections
Totals
Notes:
SmallOwlJournal&SurveyForm_April 20, 2010
Appendix Q. KBMN Small Owl Capture and Census Protocol and Form
Owl Monitoring Journal and Survey
Morning Session
ProjectCode:
JOURNAL
SURVEYS
Observer Names and initials:
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
Detections
SpeciesCode
Totals
List Net numbers:__________Number of nets: ______
Configuration of nets: ______________________
(Parallel, Triangle, Square, Line)
Open time: _________; Close time: _________
Notes:
(If nets open overnight, open = 0000)
Times Checked: ______; _______; _______; _______
______; _______; _______; _______; _______
Weather:
Cloud Cover %
Precipitation (N,F,M,D,R)
Temperature (°C)
Wind (Beaufort Scale)
Audiolure:
Species Track Time Start
Open
Close
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
SpeciesCode
Totals
Detections
Time Stop
Notes
Notes:
If Species Track = 'ALL', record in notes the species codes.
Capture Summary:
SpeciesCode
Recap
Notes:
New
Unbanded
Survey #____ Time Begin_______ Time End ________
SpeciesCode
Totals
Detections
Notes:
SmallOwlJournal&SurveyForm_April 20, 2010
Appendix R. Rapid Ornithological Inventory Procedure
July 4, 1999
RAPID ORNITHOLOGICAL INVENTORY PROTOCOL AND SCHEDULE
The Rapid Ornithological Inventory (ROI) is a method of quickly gaining a
measure of the birds at a single station to compare their abundance, composition, and
population structure with other, similar stations in order to assay their relative value.
Objectives
The objectives are: (1) to quantify the bird population of a site of about 2 ha
(about 5 acres, or a 80-m radius circle) by mist netting and census; (2) capture and census
as many individuals as possible in the site to provide an adequate sample; and (3) conduct
the ROI in relative homogenous habitat. In our region, the high-priority species this
project will directly address are the Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, American
Dipper, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler. It also addresses the two top
high-priority habitats, montane meadow and riverine riparian.
Background and Project Description
The project will be a test of the newly-developed ROI method to determine the
components of habitat association and quality, as well as the life history of several
species of birds. The Inventory is a method of quickly, in one or two days, gaining a
measure of the birds at an array of sites to compare their abundance, composition, and
population structure with other, similar stations. This will enable us to assay the relative
value of the sites to the birds. We have field tested the method over the past two years,
and found it very data rich and predict that it has a very high probability of success. This
project has important potential for implementation over a wide geographical area, as we
think it can provide data of excellent quality at a relatively low cost.
The unique combination of methods has great potential to provide in-depth
information on species composition and structure in a cost-effective manner. In this first
year of full scale implementation, specific comparisons, through a randomized plot
design, will be made on the effects of the quality and quantity of riverine riparian and
montane meadow habitat on the bird communities.
Our concentration of work in the two highest priority habitats in the Klamath
Bioregion will address several high-priority landbird species that are largely confined to
meadow and riparian habitats.
The combination of diurnal Area Search Census, nocturnal call station survey and
netting, and demographic mist-netting will provide a unique combination of tools to test a
new survey method.
Coordination
The District Biologists of Forest Service and BLM, as well as others should be
consulted to determine the best riparian and meadow sites for the Inventory.
Appendix R. Rapid Ornithological Inventory Procedure
Equipment and procedures
The usual banding equipment should be taken, although if the site is more than a
half kilometer from a road, consideration should be given to taking minimal equipment.
Upon arrival at a station in mid- to late-afternoon, set up a minimum of six, and
preferably eight nets. If qualified personnel are available, and if at all possible, 10 or
more should be set. The net sites chosen should involve absolute minimum clearing,
being as opportunistic in site selection as is possible. If after the first morning of
catching, relatively few birds are caught, for example, less than 25 birds, a couple of
additional nets should be set up for the second session of netting.
A minimum of three Area Search routes are also laid out; at least one including
the area of the nets. During the Inventory, effort should be spread around the routes as
evenly as possible. After dark, at least one Area Search route should be surveyed for
nocturnal birds. Tape recordings of common owls and rails can be used to attract birds as
part of this survey. If available, two nets can placed with a continuous tape player going
during the entire night, and checked at least at bed time and when people first wake up.
Most owls are caught within an hour or so of dusk and dawn. These nets can be part of
the ROI array, but should be as upland as possible and definitely away from the open
water of streams or ponds, as bats would be very likely to be captured at these sites.
The vegetation assay method, as used in point counts, should be conducted in the
area of the net sites. If time permits, it should be done at six stations, but in no case
should there be less than four, and they should not be closer than 100 m apart.
The site must be plotted on a USGS 7.5 minute topographical map, and directions,
including mileages, written with enough detail that the site can be located by a person
who has not been there before. A site map must also be drawn as much to scale as
possible, and with enough detail that the nets could be set up in exactly the same
locations in subsequent years by a person who has not previously been to the site.
Personnel
Two people are minimum, at least one a primary bander and at least one very
familiar with plumages and vocalizations of the birds.
Site Selection
The priority sites are riparian habitats, both along streams and in meadows. They
should be located where large numbers of birds can be captured, and thus would usually
involve these habitats. If one finds by late morning very few birds have been captured
(e.g., less than 10), consider leaving the site as a one-day ROI, but preferably
consideration should be given to markedly increasing the number of nets.
These sites should be selected in locations according to the following priority:
A - Sites operated in previous years as constant effort sites, but not operated in
this year.
B - Sites in similar habitat to ongoing constant effort sites, and within 10 km of
these sites.
C - Sites in appropriate habitat, but located more than 10 km from a constant
effort site. In this case it would be best to pair the ROI site with another
for better comparisons.
Appendix R. Rapid Ornithological Inventory Procedure
Schedule
Below is the number of person-hours shown in each column for a total number
per day.
Time
Person
A B
Day 1 (A total of three hours per person)
1600-1700 1 1
Choose a minimum of six or eight, and preferably ten net sites.
1700-1800 1 1 Each person set up 3-5 nets.
2000-2030 1
Set up three area search routes.
sunset +15
1 Conduct two nocturnal area searches or use owl tape.
Day 2 (A total of nets operated for 6 hours in the a.m. and 4 hours in the p.m. )
dawn
4 5 Set up and run nets
dawn +15
x Conducts area search
ca. 0830
x
Conducts area search
ca. 1000
A takes break for 1 hour while B runs nets
ca. 1100
A nets until 1200
B conducts 20-minute area search and then takes break until 1500
ca. 1200
1
A furls nets and takes break until helping B set up nets at 1500
sunset-4 hrs. 1 3 Both open and B operates nets
1
Sets additional nets, maps site, check data, conducts vegetation
surveys at net sites, and does area searches.
after dark
1
Conducts two nocturnal area searches or owl survey.
Day 3 (nets operated for 5 hours)
dawn
4 4 Set up and run nets (each takes 1 hour break)
dawn +15
x Conducts area search
ca. 0830
x
Conducts area search
1100-1200 1 1 Nets taken down
Appendix S. Beaufort Wind Scale
Beaufort Wind Scale (shortened for banding operations)
Scale Wind Speed (MPH) Wind Effects Observed on Land
0
0-1
Calm; smoke rises vertically
1
1-3
Direction of wind shown by smoke drift, but not by wind vanes
2
4-7
Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, ordinary vane moved by wind
3
8-12
Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends light flag
4
13-18
Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved
5
19-24
Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland waters
6
25-31
7
32-38
Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telephone wires; umbrellas
used with difficulty
Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against the wind
8
39-46
Breaks twigs off trees; generally impedes progress
Appendix T. Example of a correctly-completed KBMN mist netting journal form
Appendix T. Example of a correctly-completed KBMN mist netting journal form
Appendix U. Example of Correctly-completed Banding Data Form
Appendix U. Example of Correctly-completed Banding Data Form