We catch birds using several methods.

Rocket nets: Typically two or three 60 by 30 foot nets are set along a levee or island near birds that are loafing or feeding. Anchors are attached to the back of the net and rockets are attached to the front. The nets are folded up into a long, narrow strip, which expands when the rockets are launched. Scroll down to see a video about rocket netting!.

Bait traps: These traps, pictured to the right, are large circular cages with a small, baited funnel. The birds feed their way in through the funnel into the trap and can’t find their way out. Scroll down to see a video about bait-trapping!

On nests: Hen wood ducks are easy to catch because they nest in boxes. Ground nesting species are caught while incubating their nests with a long-handled fishing net.

Egg Salvage: Many of the birds we band are hatched from eggs rescued from farm fields. The ducklings are banded and released at 5 weeks of age.

No. Ducks are only double banded for certain reasons. The second band is usually a reward band to determine reporting rates. Sometimes, however, researchers will add a larger colored band for identification at a distance.

Banding waterfowl gives us a better understanding of their survival, movements and hunting pressure across different ages and sexes of birds. The banding data of certain species is incorporated into the adaptive harvest management models, which dictates bag limits of the different species in different flyways.

Yes. We often take measurements of wing length and body weight, which helps us get a better idea of the health and body condition of the birds. When we find nests we will record various information about the eggs, the nest and the surrounding vegetation.

 

Are you ready to help with our banding efforts?