How to Request Auxiliary Marking Permission
Banders should plan ahead for the next season's field work, and request permission to use auxiliary markers well in advance of their need to mark birds. Allow at least 6-8 weeks for the Bird Banding Laboratory to process your request. There may be additional time required for the bander to coordinate with other banders marking the same species. Coordination is the responsibility of the banders. Please make a separate request for each marker type and species, unless you have a group of species using the exact same marker type. Banders who wish to use auxiliary markers should send a request to bbl_permits@usgs.gov Include the following information in the requests:
- permit number
- species or subspecies (see codes)
- estimated number to be marked
- type of marker
- color(s) if using colored markers
- codes if using coded markers
- geographic location of project (county(ies), state)
- date study will begin and probable duration
- a project proposal explaining the needs and goals
- a brief summary of the bander's experience with the markers
- frequency range and attachment type for radio transmitters
- attachment type for satellite transmitters, GPS, GSM, dataloggers, RFID
- a statement of the percent body weight for transmitters, data loggers, etc. All bands, auxiliary markers and attachment materials should not exceed 2% body weight for leg attachments and should not exceed 3% total body weight for all other attachment styles.
Responsibilities of the Bander in Marking Birds
Go to Bird Banding and Marking Permits
