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The use of color markers, transmitters and other auxiliary markers is not authorized unless specifically noted on the banding permit. These markers can affect survival and encounter rates and some markers are discouraged. Spiral and wrap-around plastic bands can shrink with time and should be uncoiled and recoiled in reverse, as well as sealed with acetone. Radio transmitters should not exceed 3% of total body weight. Wing tags are discouraged on hole-nesting species; neck collars and nasal saddles have potential icing problems.
Before requesting auxiliary authorization, consideration should be given to the following questions:
In Canada, all projects involving neck collars, nasal saddles, wing tags and radio-transmitters must be reviewed and approved annually by an Animal Care Committee. Researchers must submit reports on incidents of icing, injury, death and observed behavioral changes due to the markers to the Animal Care Committee and to the Bird Banding Office in Hull, Quebec.
Receiving an Auxiliary Marking Authorization includes an obligation to the public. The chances are high that someone will see marked birds and report them to one or both Bird Banding Offices. We will forward such reports to the bander for a response, informing the person reporting the sighting about the bird(s) and the project. This applies whether or not the project solicits input from the public. Banders soliciting reports from the public should identify the Bird Banding Laboratory, Office of Migratory Bird Management, Laurel, MD 20708-9619 as the address to which reports from the U.S. are sent, and the Canadian Wildlife Service, Bird Banding Office, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0H3 for observations in Canada. Banders may include their own address as well.
Please remember that there are a limited number of colors, so plan projects with the fewest colors possible. Existing color-marking authorizations have priority if there are potential conflicts. It may, therefore, be necessary for the Bird Banding offices to inform other researchers of a proposed project or require banders to do so. In this way potential conflicts can be worked out ahead of time. Protocols have been established for marking certain species of waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, etc. Banders may have less flexibility when marking such birds, and should contact the appropriate Banding offices prior to submitting a request to determine available colors or marker types.
Auxiliary-marked birds also require special "status and additional information codes" on banding schedules. Please refer to Part 5 to become familiar with these codes, particularly in the case of two or more marker types on one bird. Do not add an auxiliary marker to any previously banded birds without permission. This constitutes a status change and places a serious recordkeeping burden on the Bird Banding Laboratory.
Adding Auxiliary Markers to Previously Banded Birds
The addition of auxiliary markers to previously banded birds is specifically excluded under the conditions of the auxiliary marking permit in Canada. The process of changing the status of previously banded birds is strongly discouraged, as it adds an extra burden on the banding offices and alters previously submitted data on the status of the bird. Banders are strongly encouraged to design their research projects using newly banded birds as much as is possible. In cases where this is not feasible (endangered species or declining populations; limited geographical scope, etc.) permission to add markers (as authorized on their banding permit) should be requested in writing from the BBO. If approved, banders will be required to report all birds with markers added to the banding office in a listing or on a recovery form. The "How Obtained" portion should include the statement "Status changed by bander" and a description of the markers that were added.
Banders who wish to use auxiliary markers should indicate the following information in their requests:
Banders are reminded that Picric Acid, commonly used to dye plumage, may become an explosive hazard if improperly stored. Picric acid should be maintained in solution and not allowed to dry out. When crystallized Picric Acid becomes a shock sensitive or impact sensitive explosive. Banders using Picric Acid should read and be familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheet provided by the chemical supplier.
