| Recommendations included in Final Report of KBO's Banding Training in Jan 2004. | |||
| The following recommendations were compiled out of
the collaborative training and banding experience between the instructors and WRC staff during the
workshop. We include them here as a reference for, and to benefit, future operations and training efforts. Recommendations for which we "Agree" were already part of our protocols before the workshop. |
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| Recommendations. | WRC comments and actions | ||
| Station Operations | |||
| 1 | Always use the Optivisor magnifying lens when processing birds. It is essential for accurately and quickly reading band numbers, skulling, evaluating wing molt, and feather condition. | This has been implemented and we now have (and use!) three Optivisors on site. | |
| 2 | The body grasp net extraction method should be used as the preferred method as is not only quicker, but helps prevents injuries such as wing strain at the net. In training situations, this method is safer and more quickly learned than other extraction methods. | While the body grasp method is relatively easy to use and is very suitable for beginners, we find that it may lead to overheating and stress moult in our tropical environment. We also believe that there are some situations in which the leg grasp method is more appropriate. We therefore use both methods, depending on the species and the situation. | |
| 3 | In order to document birds present, but not detected by banding, at least one area search should be conducted during the six-hour banding period. | This is not being implemented because of manpower constraints. We do continue to record species and numbers that we hear during the six-hour sessions. | |
| 4 | All assistants should use field notebooks. These are useful for recording the details of a bird released at the net or to record times nets are opened and closed due to the rain or direct sun, and other observations. | Yes. We completely support the use of field notebooks. | |
| 5 | Use red or brightly colored clothespins at each net location with net number on pins for fragile species e.g., hummingbirds or extremely large birds in restrictive bird bags. These ÒpriorityÓ birds should be processed first when brought back to banding area. | This has been implemented. | |
| 6 | For resident birds (sample 100 individuals) use digital calipers to record minimum and maximum tarsus width. Determine recommended band sizes for each species of Jamaican resident birds. Statistical analysis of data can identify if variance in sample requires additional samples from each species to have 95% or greater confidence intervals. | This is being recorded. See parameters | |
| 7 | When capture rates increase, it may require limiting data collected to primary data (i.e., skulling, wing molt, CP, BP). If you do not have the time to measure the wing, do not score fat, muscle, or weigh the bird. | Agree | |
| 8 | Put the hummingbird and ÒunbandedÓ datasheets in separate binders, which will allow additional processors when busy. | This has been implemented. | |
| 9 | Processing instructions should include definitions of primary and secondary data collected. | This has been implemented. <br>See definition sheet | |
| 10 | Use digital calipers for all leg and bill measurements. | This has been implemented. | |
| 11 | Increase frequency of net runs to 20-30 minutes if there are known predators present. | Agree: Our standard net run is (and has always been) 30 mins. We don't really have a predator problem, but, of course, will follow this recommendation should the siuation warrants. | |
| Training methods | |||
| 1 | In future workshops, instructors need to take a more active role ensuring the daily log is properly filled out and review banding data sheets for errors and issues of misunderstanding. | Agreed; review activities currently are conducted each afternoon of on-going banding. | |
| 2 | Workshop banding periods can be operated as many hours as necessary for instruction requiring live birds. Training opportunities with live birds should take priority over regular monitoring efforts. | Acknowledged | |
| 2a. | Nets should be closed if capture rates become too high to allow maximizing safe training efforts. They can be reopened if necessary. | Agree | |
| 3 | At the beginning of afternoon lectures, using the present dayÕs captures, have the participants summarize the captures with totals, calculate the dayÕs effort, and ultimately calculate the daily capture rate. This is a very useful exercise and allows instructors an opportunity to discuss any issues or problems with data sheets from the previous day. | Agree: We now assign one bander each session to maintain daily log and summaries as part of on-going training in data management. | |
| 4 | The body grasp method should be emphasized in all aspects of training. | Yes, but see caveat above | |
| 5 | Once participants handling and extraction skills are determined adequate by instructors, they should be allowed to attempt net runs independent of instructors. They are given one minute to extract a bird before calling for help and should work in groups of at least two. Groups should carry portable radios so that instructors can assist if necessary. | Yes. We have walkie-talkies and this works well. | |
| 6 | We discussed the importance of recording times of net closures in field notebooks in order to ensure an accurate description of net effort in daily log which is used to calculate capture rates. | Training continues in this aspect of data management. | |
| 7 | When to close nets and when to increase net check frequency. Issues of heat, cold, rain, predators, and high capture rates are all reasons to consider. | Agree: Heat (>30C) and rain are the two main reasons we have had close nets. | |
| 8 | Most participants are new to extracting. It is critical to oversee that extraction does not result in rough handling of birds. How to extract and handle to minimize chances of wing strain. | Agree: We also recommend video-taping trainees to enable instructor- and trainee self-evaluation of extraction and processing techniques during lecture period. | |
| 9 | We found ectoparasites on a White-eyed Thrush. This brought up the issue of hand cleaning and when not to use bird bags again until cleaned. Banding operations should have hand sanitizer in banding kits. | Agree: Handwipes are in use at WRC. | |
| 10 | Discuss different scenarios for ÒunbandedÓ birds. What to do when you release a bird at the net (record all details possible in field note book for later transfer to unbanded datasheet). | Agree | |
| 11 | Limit processing demonstrations to five minutes. If bander trainee reaches three minutes with no hope of completing processing by five minutes, instructor will take over and complete processing with trainee as observer. In addition, limit post-processing demonstrations to one to two minutes. It is incumbent upon the instructors to keep track of time and consider exceptions as appropriate and safe. | Agree | |
| 12 | During afternoon sessions discuss ageing, sexing, and molt for species captured earlier in the day. Create an annual molt table for these species. Use of dummy datasheets for participants to record example birds during these sessions where each person then determines age, plumage/molt, and sex. | Agree | |
| 13 | Discuss four-letter species codes and rules used to determine code. | Agree | |
| 14 | Use of fault, growth bars, feather shape (tapered or truncate outer rectrices, primaries, and primary coverts) to assist in determining feather generation, plumage, and age. | Agree | |
| 15 | Locate the demonstration area away from the processing table to reduce the distraction to the participants learning to band birds. | Agree | |
| 16 | Use of calipers should include instruction that the tool be opened to the measurement, not closed. | Agree: This continues to be reinforced. | |
| 17 | It is important to make sure that everyone has at least one day free per week to avoid exhaustion. | Yes!! | |
| 18 | Future workshops should include vegetation surveys and monitoring. | Agree | |
| Other Stations | |||
| 1 | Limit the collection of biometric data unless specific samples sizes are deemed inadequate for analysis. Collection of primary data for ageing and sexing should, in most cases, take priority over biometric data. | ||
| 1a. | Summarized biometric data and combine with data from other locations in Jamaica. This would likely lead to an excellent paper. | ||
| 2 | Some resident species captured would be best fitted with Ò0AÓ band size. It is suggested that all Jamaica banding operations have this size on hand. | ||
| 3 | Telephones can create an unnecessary distraction to safe and effective banding operations. Cell phones should be turned off during banding operations. | We totally agree!! | |
| 4 | Do not fully open bands on wire. This causes the bands to be shaped asymmetrical affecting their closing. | ||
| 5 | Use different datasheets for each band size, unbanded birds, and recaptures. | ||
| 6 | Create and maintain a daily log for tracking net hours, summarizing captures, tracking banders and visitors, and environmental conditions. | ||
| 7 | Trammel (i.e., shelf of net) of capture data collected to date should be examined for adequate sample and discontinued if deemed sufficient for analysis. | ||
| 8 | Separate data sheets should be used for resident and migrant bands. Separate sheets for each band size would benefit more efficient data entry and recordkeeping. | ||
| 9 | Bird bags should be turned so that the loose seam is on the outside of the bag for bird safety. | ||
| 10 | Nets should be uniform in size with appropriate length poles used. | ||
| 11 | Increase net run frequency to 20 minutes due to known presence of predators. | ||
| 12 | An electronic scale with accuracy to 0.1 gram should be used for collecting bird mass. The Pesola scale has a potential error rate of up to 20 percent of the mass range of most birds captured. | ||
| 13 | Use of the retrap cards slows down station operation. If the data are computerized, this information can be referenced following banding operations. | ||
| Windsor Research Centre (and other banders in Jamaica): | |||
| 1 | Compile a second kit so that when it is busy there can be two people processing birds simultaneously. | Availability of banding pliers currently limits us completing this recommendation. | |
| 2 | Create molt datasheet for scoring molt of resident birds. | Agree: This was available but not used during workshop. | |
| 3 | Do not include occipital triangle in skull ossification score. | This has been implemented | |
| 4 | Establish a code for indeterminate for use when a field cannot be determined. | Agree | |
| 5 | Use Rite-in-Rain paper for datasheets and use a 3/8Ó three hole punch for datasheets. These larger holes will help reduce tearing out of punched holes. | Acknowledged | |
| 6 | When scoring flight feather wear and shape use the outer two or three feathers only. This ensures that each bird is compared similarly. | Agree | |
| 7 | Create reference table of species, species codes, and page number in various guides. | This was already available for the workshop; sheets are now laminated for field use. | |
| 8 | Use of water in skulling. | We use water only if we have difficulties parting "dry" feathers to get a good view of the skull. We have recaptured birds the day after a "water skulling," with their feathers still damp. | |
| 9 | Bill striations should be a primary ageing tool for hummingbirds. | Agree | |
| 10 | Recommended band sizes: | ||
| a. | Should record leg minimum and maximum width to come up with recommended band sizes for target species: | This is being implemented. See parameters | |
| i. | BBL would like this data; | Acknowledged | |
| ii. | Easy NABB, Neotropical Ornithology Society publication. | Acknowledged | |
| 11 | Start to develop key for ageing and sexing birds: | ||
| a. | For use with Jamaica residents; | In prep | |
| b. | Start with basics (e.g., skull, molt limits, bill striations); | Yes | |
| c. | This will be a work in process. | Yes | |