More than anything else, banders are responsible for the safety and welfare of the birds they study. This means that stress and risks of injury or death need to be minimized. Some basic rules are as follows:
handle each bird carefully, gently, quietly, and with respect
capture and process only as many birds as you can safely handle
close traps or nets when there are known predators in the area
do not band in inclement weather
frequently assess the condition of traps and nets and repair them quickly
trainees must be properly trained and supervised
check nets every 20 to 30 minutes
check traps as often as is recommended for each trap type
properly close all traps and nets at the end of the banding day
do not leave traps or nets set and untended
only double-bag non-aggressive birds of the same size and species
use the correct band size and banding pliers for each bird
treat all bird injuries in the most humane way
Banders must continually assess their own work to ensure that it is beyond reproach.
reassess methods and your approach whenever an injury or mortality occurs
accept constructive criticism from other banders
Banders must offer honest and constructive assessment of others’ work to help maintain the highest standards possible.
publish innovations in banding, capture and handling techniques
educate prospective banders and trainers
provide feedback of any instances of mistreatment of birds to the bander
if there is no improvement, then file a report with the Banding Office
Banders must ensure that the data gathered are accurate and complete.
Banders must obtain permission to band on private property.
