In wanting to be around a banding station it is assumed that you like and know birds. You have accepted the fact that we take the utmost caution to make sure that birds are not harmed. If your wish is to see birds up close and personal then this is the right place.
The key rule in and around the banding station, is that you do things as you are comfortable and as the Bander thinks you are ready. You do not have to move along a continuum and may be happy just scribing.
You must be physically fit enough to handle the walking that is required if you plan to help with the nets.
Most people start out by being willing to scribe. This is writing down the data as given to you be the person banding. It is an important job since the data being written down is the only data we will have on that birds after we release it. Scribes should also be willing to question what a bander has said.
When you are scribing you may feel confident when given the opportunity to hold a bird in the proper bander's grip. Banders will not give you a biting bird. Proper instructions are always given.
Scribes often wish to go around the nets with an authorized person who knows how to properly take a bird out of the net. You will be expected to observe and listen to the instructions that are given. When you are deemed to be confident enough you will be asked to remove a bird that should not offer big challenges. Instructions on how to put the bird into the carrying bag and each step of taking the bird out of the net will be given.
After observation of how well you take a bird out of the net you will be given more freedom. The regular extractor may take a bird out while you also removing a bird from the same net. Each step of the way a person who is learning MUST be willing to ask for and accept help. The bird is the concern and taking too long in extracting is detrimental to the birds health.
EXTRACTING IS THE MOST DIFFICULT JOB A VOLUNTEER CAN DO AT THE STATION.
With enough proficiency you will be assigned to one or two nets but will still be checked to make sure you are doing OK
Other jobs that need doing involve banding. Here the learning curve jumps and takes longer to acquire. The physical act of banding a bird is nothing as long as you are comfortable holding a bird. You can easily be taught how to put a band on a bird.
Other aspects that take longer to learn are:
What species are you holding?
What size band do you put on?
What sex is the bird and how was this determined?
How old is the bird and how did you determine this?
What is the wing chord?
How much fat is the bird carrying?
What is the weight of the bird?
The first four questions take the longest to learn since the methods are different depending on the species. The other three questions are more mechanical.
Daily observations and/or census require good identification skills for birds flitting around. A good ear and knowledge of bird songs is also valuable.
Around the banding station you may also be expected to help with maintenance of net lanes, grass cutting, painting and other similar jobs.
If being around the station is not what you want then we are always looking for people who are willing to fill in forms and come up with ideas for funding.
The big thing is that you have fun and enjoy yourself at the banding station.
