HBRC - What Volunteers Should Know

From Rt. 4, go North on Holden (white castle, BP, Acura on three of the corners of this intersection) which becomes Berk Blvd. It dead ends into Symmes Rd. Cross Symmes Rd. into the parking lot behind a publishing company. We are in the grassy area at the back of this lot.

What time should I be there just to see the birds in-hand?

Best time is between 6:50 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. when we capture the most birds. Look for the canopy tent at the parking lot behind the printing company at the dead end of Holden/Berk Blvd. on the North side of Symmes Rd.

Do I have to help set up nets to help with other tasks?

What time should I arrive just to help out with other tasks?

No. However, plan to help out when possible since rarely is it known how many will ACTUALLY show up to help. Four people is an ideal number to set up nets.

Plan on arriving by 6:30-7:00 a.m. for the first "net run" when we check for birds in the net.

What attire is recommended/ suggested?

(Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Dress accordingly but smart. Layers can always be removed one by one. There is no convenient place to "change" clothes.)

-Waterproof/water resistant boots/shoes

-Rain pants (to ward off the wet dew from tall weeds and plants)

-Some kind of head cover/protection from the elements

-Insect repellant ... rarely necessary during spring banding (handling birds is a "no-no" with deet on your hands. If you can find something natural that actually works, great. Otherwise, be prepared to use a lot of Wet Ones before handling birds.)

The following cause damage to nets: any item on your body that protrudes may snag on the nets. e.g. baseball caps w/ the little button on top, eyeglasses, zippers, buttons, snaps, large jewelry, watches, cell phones, pagers. Don't wear them, or "pocket" them while near the nets. Finger rings may simply be turned inward into the grip of your fist.

Just be extra careful around the nets. They are $60 each.

When is the day over?

Usually around noon and after we all work together to get the nets packed up, the tent packed, and all the equipment loaded into the appropriate vehicle(s).

Sometimes a few of us go out for fast food lunch. Anyone is welcomed!

Who can get birds out of the nets.

Only those whom the station operator has trained and given approval.

What can I do, and when can I do it?

T. K. Tolford's 12-Step Outline to becoming a bird bander.

STEP

DESCRIPTION

1st	Prove competency at identification of bird species -- male and female and by song
2nd	Learn how to "open up the nets" and "close the nets"
3rd	Assist at the nets by managing bird bags
4th	Learn how to record data
5th	Become familiar with the Pyle Guide
6th	Learn necessary bird banding codes/abbreviations
7th	Weigh birds thereby learning bird handling skills
8th	Work the mist nets with Tim to learn to safely and correctly remove birds.
9th	*Prove competency with ageing/sexing techniques
10th	Use your knowledge for "show-and-tell" to visitors at the station.
11th	Go through the necessary steps of the NABBC Training (certification not required prior to obtaining permit)
12th	Upon the recommendation and initiation of your Master Permit trainer, apply for a personal sub-permit.

*Depending upon your proposed research, processing birds may occur at a different step than above. There are few circumstances which would allow for this. Unless you have a legitimate research related reason to ask about a "special circumstance" to skip steps, don't, or if you have prior training, your one-on-one time with the station operator will determine a special circumstance.

Can I check nets before being trained?

Visual checks only. Plan to carry bags of birds, supplies/tools, etc.

What should I bring to the banding station?

Options and Suggestions:

Binoculars, Camera, Snack, Water/Gatorade, Folding Chair, Bird Book of choice,

What is involved with set-up, tear-down, etc.?

There are two net lanes with a combined total of 20 nets that need opened and closed (two banders should always be present with this many nets opened) A screened tent needs assembled and disassembled. Branches always need trimmed from around the nets, bags (6-8) need cared for during all parts of the operation from retrieval of the bird from the net until it's release, a data recorder is needed, someone can weigh the birds, someone can talk to visitors about bird banding and our research, folks are sometimes needed for crowd control, just to name a few.