The Ornithological Council, the North American Banding Council, the Eastern Bird Banding Association, the Inland Bird Banding Association, and the Western Bird Banding Association are attempting to encourage and facilitate adequate training for those who need to band birds for their research projects. Some students or young faculty members have already worked at banding stations or have otherwise obtained significant experience but others have not. It is in the best interest of the birds they will band and will lead to a more successful research project if they obtain adequate training under the supervision of a skilled bander.

To help them find skilled banders, we hope you will consider sharing your time and experience with them and will provide the information requested below. We are aware that some of this information is already available on the NABC website, but to help match those in need of training with those with the appropriate skills and availability, we are seeking additional information. We also want to be sure that potential trainees can find someone in their geographic area, if necessary, and are aware of the time commitment required by a trainer.

This information will be available on a password-protected website and will be linked to an article exhorting students and others in need of training to obtain adequate training before banding birds.

We would be grateful to you for providing the following information and again, we stress that the database will not be made publicly available.

 

1. Name, phone, address, e-mail address

 

2. Do you hold:

(a) BBL master permit (y/n)

(b) BBL subpermit (y/n)

(c) Does your BBL permit include hummingbirds (y/n), raptors (y/n), waterfowl (y/n)

(d) NABC Bander Certification (y/n)

(e) NABC Trainer Certification (y/n)

 

2. Are you willing to train students at your banding station?

 

If so, what is the minimum time requirement (a) per week (b) total number of weeks.

 

3. Are you willing to go to a research site to help train students and others (i.e., field techs)?

a) If so, what is the maximum distance you are willing to travel?

b) Would you require reimbursement for travel and other expenses?

c) What is the maximum amount of time (days per week) you are able/willing to devote to this training?

 

4. Are you willing to train (including the use of appropriate nets or traps) for:

a) passerines (y/n)

b) shorebirds (y/n)

c) raptors (y/n)

d) waterfowl (y/n)

e) hummingbirds (y/n)

 

5. Are you interested in contract work to train and supervise banders working on research projects?

 

Please return the completed questionnaire to Ellen Paul at ellen.paul@verizon.net

Click below to download a .pdf version of the questionnaire

Bird Banding Training Resources Questionnaire