NFBB Vol. 35 1960

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WESTERN BIRD-BANDING ASSOCIATION A METHODFOR PROPER DETERMINATIONOF BANDSIZES IN NORTHAMERICANBIRDS by Don Bleitz. • . • . • . • . 1 DATER (OR WING) METHODOF REMOVINGBIRDS FROMMIST NETS • 4 BANDINGWHITE PELICANS by Eugene Kridler. • • • • . 5 RECOVERIES OF GLAUCOUS-WINGEDGULLS by Zelle. M. Schultz • 6 RECOVERIES OF ROBINS by Howard L~ cogswell. • . • • • . • .• 7 FOR HIGBER MIST NETS by Gerald Klingenberg • . • . • • • . 10 A METHODFOR PROPER DETERMINATIONOF BANDSIZES IN NORTHAMERICANBIRDS There have been a number of methods used to determine band sizes, all consisting of utilizing some method of accurate measurement of the legs of the living birds. Since there is such extreme variation between various races of the same species, and even between individuals of the same races, the compilation of an accurate list of the proper band sizes by species presents certain complications. In order to alleviate these problems as much as possible, a durable and accurate field gauge of some sort is necessary. The design I offer is probably similar to that thought of by many other banders, but seems to me to be the best and most simple way of approaching the problem. It consists of a rectangular piece of aluminum or duraluminum in which slots corres- ponding to the inside diameter of the various band sizes have been accurately ~"~~~""~~~~"~~~~_"~""mi]]ed. ~_In-"o~derto"JIlBke~:thi.agaJlge,_Lstarted-..by maki ng -S.OlIIe-.feeJer. gaJlges.__ of the exact inside diameter of each of the pand sizes. In addition to the normal band sizes utilized by the Fish and Wildlife Service, I have added three others which I designate as X, Xa, and Xb. In this case X is the size of the Hummingbird bands as we produce them. Xb being the smallest band size necessary to use on Hummingbirds and Xa being an intermediate size between these two, suitable for Hummers such as the Anna's, etc., while Black-chinned, Calliope, etc., would take the Xb sizes. Starting out then with the smallest, the sizes in inches are as follows: Size Diameter Size Diameter Size Diameter Xb .050 la .l48 6 ·372 Xa .060 2 .l98 7a .435 X .070 3 .2l6 7b ·562 0 .093 3A .232 8 .690 l .l09 4 .250 9 .875 lb .l'9 5 ·3l0 lO 1.25 These diameters are actual measurements of bands as they are produced today, and there is obviously some variation from time to time in bands of the same designated number. The slots on this gauge are each marked with the appropriate number, and so it is an easy matter to slip the leg of a bird into the various slots until the proper one is found. Utilizing this gauge, I have been compiling a check list of the birds of North America, north of MeXico, including Alaska and the oceanic birds of Hawaii; designating the correct band sizes from actual measurements. All of us have been aware of some inevitable inaccuracy in the lists that have been available up to this time . Undoubtedly, and especially in the case of rarely trapped species or in the banding of nestlings, incorrect band sizes were sometimes used, and these band sizes were then included in the list of recommended sizes. There are also rather a considerable number of small birds, such as Kinglets, Bush-Tits, some of the smaller Warblers, etc., for which the regularly supplied size 0 is in reality too large, and proves unduly uncom- fortable to the small birds. These are fitted excellently with the size X Hummingbird band. The Hummingbird bands that have been preViously described in "The News" are made by photographically irnprinting the numbers on aluminum which is then anodyzed to form a durable and permanent image. The bands are then cut and formed, at this time, by hand. This photographic process has been worked out essentially by Mr. Bill Kirsher, and I have only added a few ideas in forming the bands themselves. We hope that in the early future one of the commercial organizations engaged in producing this type of identification band will produce these small bands in quantity. During the season of 1959 I recaptured several Anna's Hummingbirds carrying these bands which had been affixed more than two years ago. These bands still retained perfect legibility and had caused no impairment to the legs of their tiny hosts. I cannot recommend the use of any but these specially produced bands for Hummingbirds. All altered bands I have ever seen used, must, if still legible, cause impairment to the birds' legs. Among those birds, in addition to Hummingbirds, which have been recaptured using these tiny bands are Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Four returns wore bands affixed a year ago and one brown creeper from one year ago. In all cases the bands were in good condition and readily legible. Nestling birds, just prior to first flying stages and for awhile there- after may in many species require larger bands than do adults of the same species. After varying periods of time, the legs of the young birds lose the fatty tissue which accumulates just prior to flight; and as a general thing in the case of GUlls, Terns, and most other shore birds, the legs will shrink by about one band size. Conversely, when shore birds are kept in captivity, and therefore do not take the long flight to which they are accustomed, they tend to add tissue to the legs and will then require a band about one size larger than otherwise. Some properly fitted bands which had been affixed to some shore birds donated to the San Diego Zoo were, after a period of approximately eight months in the zoo, found to have abrasions from the bands which were at this time too tight. I have never found this difficulty in free- flying wild birds. In my banding over the past several years, I have been gradually accumu- lating some information which is of value for the manuscript of our forthcoming "The Birds of North America". This information consists of the measurements, including the measurement in inches from the center of the eye to the tip of the bill which is an easily obtained, accurate measurement, and which I find particularly useful in scaling photographs. I also have been obtaining the normal perched length of the various birds (which is the way they are observed through binoculars). Another measurement that I find valuable is the average normal wingspread. of the living birds, and in some cases the tarsai and other leg measurements are included. When a sufficient number of species have had this information cataloged, I shall reprint the little check list including this measurement information. All directions for removing birds from nets that I have seen advise starting with the feet. Usually about 50 percent of removal time is consumed in releasing the feet. The method I use eliminates this time. I have never had a broken leg or wing in the several years I have been using this system. First, ascertain from which side the bird entered the net. Working from that side, place your thumb (either left or right hand) on the bird's back; at the same time slipping your two middle fingers under the breast with the tail pointed toward your wrist. Your little and first fingers will automatically slide under the bird 1 swings. You are now ready to remove the meshes from the bird. With the other hand work the mesh off the bend of one wing. The wings are the mo st flexible part of the bird' s body with whi ch to work. You will be surprised how easily the net can be removed. The wing may be spread out or folded tight against the body for this operation. Don't be afraid to use a little pressure on the joint at this stage. Then ease the meshes from the second wing and lastly the head. The head is usually left until last, but may be first or after the first wing, depending on the extent of the entanglement. By the time the wings are released the bird feels free to fly and usually automatically releases his own feet. If not, it is a simple matter to slip the meshes off the feet with your fingers, or you may need the assist of a manicure orange stick. This stick is handy to use if the tongue has become caught. In employing this method the possibility of having to cut or break the net is reduced to a ID.J.n~mum.The faster you remove birds from nets the less likely you are to find a bird "in shock", as prolonged handling can be dis- astrous. Ebba's secretary, John Given, uses this method and endorses it 100 percent. Anaho Island is located in Pyramid Lake, which lies in west-central Nevada near the town of Nixon. Established as a national wildlife refuge in 1913, it has long been known for its large nest- ing colony of White pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), reputed to be the largest in existence today. Totaling about 250 acres, it lies approximately one-half mile off the east shore of the lake. The land slopes gently from the edge of the water by a series of beaches, relics of times when the lake was much higher than at present, for several hun- dred yards, then sweeps sharply upwards to a height of over 550 feet. Sparse growth of saltgrass, alkali weed, salt- bush, and greasewood are scattered about the island. A long neck of land in the southeast corner juts out toward the mainland, and if the level of the lake keeps receding the island will become a peninsula in the not-too-distant future.

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