BANDING RESOURCES

North American Banding Council:

The mission of the North American Banding Council (NABC) is to promote sound and ethical bird-banding practices and techniques. To accomplish this, the NABC has developed educational and training materials, including manuals on general banding techniques as well as techniques manuals for specialized taxonomic groups accompanied by a three-level certification process. Explore their website HERE to learn more.

First and foremost for every bander should be the “Bander’s Code of Ethics.” The website version of this creed can be found here: NABC Bander’s Code of Ethics

NABC Photographic Guidelines

Through the use of blogs, photo galleries, social networking sites, and scientific presentations, bird banders are promoting bird monitoring and research to a wide audience. In doing so, banders should meet, display, and promote high ethical and scientific standards.

The aforementioned Banders’ Code of Ethics reminds banders that they are “primarily responsible for the safety and welfare of the birds they study so that stress and risks of injury or death are minimized”, and that they are to “handle each bird carefully, gently, quietly, with respect, and in minimum time.”

Inappropriate photography during banding may compromise this ethical duty.

The NABC has published excellent photographic guidelines, which can be found on their website: HERE

Other Useful Sites:

Eastern Bird Banding Association
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL)
Pan-American Shorebird Program Shorebird Marking Protocol