old band

[spencerfarms]

hey, i shot a duck a few months ago and i got it mounted, and this may sound weird but i didnt notice that it had a band on its leg. I cant make out the numbers. what should i do? :confused:

spencer

[Brett Neffendorf]

Well dang. Thats an OLD band then tongue.gif

One of my hunting partners shot one just like that last year and they told him to send it in but he decided not to because he didnt want them to not send it back lol.

You will probably have to send it in because they can scan the band and it will tell them the numbers

[Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis]

Spencer,

Bands do wear out eventually, but even a very worn band with the numbers seemingly invisible can have the numbers determined using etching. Hundreds of bands are etched and returned to hunters by the Bird Banding Laboratory every year.

( Etching Worn Bands )
Most bands are made of an aluminum alloy. The numbers are stamped into the band and can wear off with time. The average band on a Mallard wears one number off in 8-10 years. A band on a Redhead is often worn completely (no numbers legible) in this same 8-10 years. Band wear depends greatly on the amount of time a bird spends in the water, particularly salt water.

If you find a bird band with one or more numbers worn off (or if the band number is struck with shot) mail it to the Bird Banding Laboratory to be etched. The number can be retrieved successfully in most cases. Bands are etched using a strong acid solution. The band metal in areas where the number was stamped is weaker and the strong acid solution erodes away more metal where there were numbers, so the actual number is seen when the band is rinsed. The band will be returned to you when the number has been determined if you request it be returned.

To send a band to the Bird Banding Laboratory, tape the band between two pieces of cardboard, wrap the band in padding, or place it in a small box if you want to keep it round. This is very important, as otherwise the band may cut the envelope and be lost in the postal system. Send the band with all the information on how, when, and where you found the band with your address to Bird Banding Laboratory, 12100 Beech Forest Lane, Laurel MD 20708 Attention: Band to Be Etched. If you include a request to return the band, it will be mailed back to you whether we are successful in retrieving a number or not.

WW

[spencerfarms]

ok.... this is what i ment to say. i can read some of the numbers, i can make out a few numbers on the top,[i think its the 800 number] and a few on the bottom. so its not completely worn out.
thanks for the info!
sorry for the mix-up

spencerfarms

[Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis]

Spencer,

There are several different types of bands used on wild birds in North America. Each type of band is made in many different sizes so that every bird has a suitable size band available for use by banders. Bands provided by the Bird Banding Laboratory are made of aluminum and inscribed CALL 1-800-327 BAND and WRITE BIRD BAND LAUREL MD 20708 USA followed by a unique 8 or 9 digit number. The older bird bands had the legend AVISE BIRD BAND WASH DC. These bands are from the same agency as the new bands and can be reported on the 1-800 telephone number or to Laurel MD.

Or you can report your band online here: REPORT BANDS HERE (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm)

WW

[spencerfarms]

thanks W-W

[Jeff-Widgnwhacker-Wallis]

No problem , Anytime :D

WW

[JEDJR]

just curious, what kind of duck is it? and congrats on the band! I thought everybody checked for bands???? Hell, I know I do!!! :D

[spencerfarms]

it was a bufflehead...

[JEDJR]

thats great!