Bird Bands provides a history of the bird. Data is collected about the birds banding location, migration, habitat and survival rate.

Bagging a bird with a band is undoubtedly a huge bonus and an unforgetable event!

We are asked so many questions about banded birds, we have added this page to share some details.

Below Topics:
Duck Bands:
Goose Bands:
How to report a banded bird?
Other Resources for more information and details.

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    DUCK BANDS:
People quite often ask us, "Where are the birds banded," which are harvested at Burbank.
 Most of the ducks are banded in Canada.
The last 20 bands Paul he has kept track of:,

• 2/3 were from Alberta, Canada,
• a couple were from British Columbia,
• one from Saskatchwan,
• one from Montana,
• two from Washington
• and one from Idaho.

" The banded greenhead I shot today was banded in Mackenzie District, NWT, on August 27, 2004. This is the Northwest Territories. Most of the birds I have banded have been from Alberta.
Thanks Paul for a memorable day!!" JO'L- hunter January 5, 07.

Are the birds mostly juvenile or mature?
Most of the birds are over 2 years old, or therefore mature. All but 2 of the ducks were juvenile.

Do you bag more banded birds early in the season?
No. Typically latter in the season. January seems to be the most profitable.

This duck came a long way...but a straight shot:
"I called today to find out about the band. The duck was banded on August 13, 2007 at Buffalo Lake, Alberta Canada.  
Buffalo Lake is on the northern border of Alberta just on the border of the Northwest Territories.
A straight line distance from there to Burbank, Washington, USA is 963 miles!  
Amazing what these birds do. "          J.H. 12-07

GOOSE BANDS:
We have not gotten very many bands the last few years. We used to get one in a hundred. Now ee probally get one in a thousand. A huge decline, but the goose number have been increasing.
Most bands come from Alaska, NW Territories, Yukon, Alberta, Idaho and Washington.

The smaller the bird, the greater the distance it has migrated.

There are different types of bands. The most common is a metal leg band. Others could be a tracking neck collar or other types of bands. Most bands have the reporting contact info on the band. See the resources below for more information.

HOW TO REPORT A BANDED BIRD
Report t them all!   There are bands on approximately 110+ different species!

1. Call to report the number, location etc. Toll Free: 1-800-327-2263
   Phones are manned almost 24 hours a day. Leave info if no one answers and they will call you back. A certificate will be mailed out at a latter date. Ask to make sure to receive one.

2. Report via the internet. http://www.reportband.gov/ Click here for direct link.

3. The information needed is:

   • The band number

   • Species of bird

   • Hunter’s name and address

   • Date, time and location of harvest The location should include the county and approximate distance and direction from the nearest town or mapped landmark.
     . You will receive a Certificate of Appreciation with information about the bird. The band is yours to keep

4. Additional information is requested by some studies

   • Breeding activity (courtship, nest, goslings etc.) - Very important

   • Habitat and behavior (resting, feeding etc.)

   • Rough count of other geese present, etc.
     

OTHER RESOURCES:

US Fish & Wildlife Bird Monitoring

Bird Banding Library

Types of Bird Bands

History of Bird Bands

Bird Banding Sites for more info.

United Nations Bird Watching

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