Submitting bird banding data is an important part of bird conservation efforts. Banding provides valuable information about bird populations, movements, survival rates, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly submit your bird banding data.
Why Submit Bird Banding Data?
Bird banding data helps scientists track migration patterns, establish population trends, and contribute to conservation efforts. By reporting encounter and recapture data, you provide essential information to advance avian research and management programs.
Banding data is coordinated through the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL). The BBL manages banding permits, provides bands and reporting materials, and compiles encounter data into a master database used by researchers and agencies worldwide.
It is required by your banding permit to submit encounter reports. Failure to do so is a violation of your permit and federal bird banding regulations. Proper reporting is crucial to maintain an effective banding program.
What Data Do I Need to Report?
You must report encounters of all birds banded or encountered by you or your subpermittees. This includes:
- Newly banded birds – report species, age, sex (if known), date, location
- Recaptures of your own banded birds – report band number, date, location
- Returns from other banders – report band number, date, location
- Band removals
- Deaths of banded birds
Carefully record all necessary data during banding. Keep detailed, accurate records for your own reference and reporting purposes.
When Should Data Be Submitted?
You are required to submit banding data at least once per year. It is recommended to report more frequently than that. Here are some guidelines on timeframes for reporting data:
- Newly banded birds – report monthly or quarterly
- Recaptures and returns – report monthly or quarterly
- Deaths of banded birds – report monthly
- Band removals – report annually
Submitting data on a regular schedule prevents lost records and minimizes your reporting workload. It also allows the BBL to enter and process data in a timely manner.
How Should Data Be Submitted?
There are several options for submitting banding data to the BBL:
Paper Schedule A Forms
Paper forms are available from the BBL to report banding and encounter data. Fill out all required fields and mail completed forms to:
Bird Banding Laboratory
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, MD 20708-4041
Electronic Data Files
Many banders submit data electronically in a structured format specified by the BBL. This requires coordinating with the BBL to set up a system to transfer data files. Benefits include faster processing and preventing transcription errors.
Online Data Submission
The BBL’s online banding data system allows permitted banders to enter and submit data through a secure website. This provides easy online access and data validation at time of entry.
Contact the BBL at [email protected] for guidance on electronic reporting options.
BANDit Online Database
BANDit is a user-friendly online database application available to state, federal, and private banding groups. It provides advanced data validation and directly transfers data to the BBL. Contact your banding organization to inquire about accessing BANDit.
Reporting Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Paper forms | No additional software/equipment needed | Slow processing, errors in transcription |
Electronic data files | Fast processing, data validation | Requires technical expertise |
Online data entry | Real-time validation, easy access | Data limits per session |
BANDit database | Robust validation, efficient transfer | Access approval required |
What Information is Required for Each Bird?
All data submissions must provide the following information at minimum for each newly banded bird:
- Band number
- Species code (4-letter alpha code)
- Age code
- Sex code (if known)
- Banding date
- Banding location (latitude/longitude, debit/credit)
Additional data such as morphometrics, breeding status, and notes may also be submitted. Refer to the BBL’s data dictionary for specific codes and definitions. Using the standard codes ensures consistent data for analysis.
Required Fields for Recaptures and Returns
Recapture and return records require only the band number, species, encounter date, and encounter location. However, providing additional data like sex, age, and morphometrics adds value to the record.
Special Cases
You’ll also need to report:
- Band removals – submit band number, removal date, reason for removal
- Deaths – submit band number, species, date, location, suspected cause of death
- Bands lost prior to deployment – report band numbers so they can be cancelled
How Do I Get Started Reporting Data?
If you are new to bird banding, follow these steps to set up reporting:
- Request paper reporting forms from the BBL or download from their website.
- Set up an electronic reporting system through consultation with the BBL.
- Make sure you understand all BBL reporting requirements and definitions.
- Set a schedule (e.g. monthly) to submit data routinely.
- Record banding data fully and accurately so all required fields are available for submission.
Establishing good data recording and reporting practices early will make the submission process go smoothly.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid?
Some common reporting mistakes to be aware of include:
- Delaying or failing to report data on schedule
- Illegible handwriting on paper forms
- Submitting incomplete records missing key data fields
- Not following BBL species, age, sex and location codes
- Transposing band numbers or encounter dates
- Failing to report auxiliary markers like color bands
- Forgetting to report band removals or deaths
Carefully proofread your records and follow reporting instructions closely to avoid these errors.
How Does the BBL Process My Data?
The BBL takes extensive measures to efficiently handle the over 1 million banding records submitted annually. Their data workflow includes:
- Receiving data – paper forms are transcribed; electronic data reviewed for format
- Validation – records checked for completeness, accuracy, inconsistencies
- Filing – physical forms stored; digital data backed up
- Data entry – paper records manually entered; digital files loaded to database
- Verification – double-checks for data entry errors
- Archival – data added to master national database
Rest assured your records are in good hands with this rigorous process. The BBL strives for quick turnaround so banding data is available as soon as possible.
When Will My Data Be Available?
Processing times vary depending on submission volume. Here are approximate timelines:
- Paper forms – 3-6 months for data entry and verification
- Online data entry – 1-2 months
- Electronic data files – 2-4 weeks
During peak banding seasons, waiting periods may be a bit longer. The BBL aims to have data available within the same year it was submitted.
You can contact the BBL to inquire about the status of your submissions. Be aware that rush processing is not possible as they handle data in chronological order received.
Can I Access My Submitted Data?
Yes, you can access your personal banding data through a couple methods:
- BANDit – query capabilities for online database users
- Custom extracts – data summaries provided upon request
- Online access – search for your records in the public report database
These options allow you to view, check, analyze, and summarize your submitted data. Make sure to use your reports internally to assess and improve your banding practices.
How Long Does the BBL Keep My Records?
Banding records are maintained in the BBL archives indefinitely. This preserves the data’s long-term historical value for bird research.
Even if you are no longer an active bander, your past records remain available. Researchers can access the national banding database to analyze collective data spanning decades.
Can I Update Incorrect Data I Submitted?
If you discover errors in data you previously submitted, corrections can be made. Minor updates may be noted on future reporting forms. More significant errors should be reported directly to the BBL by phone or email.
Be sure to clearly indicate which records require revision along with the correct information. The BBL will investigate and update the archived records accordingly.
Conclusion
Diligent reporting is a hallmark of responsible bird banding. By contributing your data properly, you do your part to advance bird research and conservation. Follow the guidance provided here for successful data submission to the Bird Banding Laboratory.
The BBL is always available to support permittees in the reporting process. Do not hesitate to contact them with any questions. And be sure to report your valuable banding data on time – the birds are counting on you!