BAND ON THE RUN



Clarissa Peterson holds a Canada goose gosling about to be fitted with a
leg band and released.  Information gathered from band recoveries will help
guide the future management of Canada geese in Kansas.
Photos Courtesy of Clarissa Peterson

 Fish and wildlife management can be interesting work.  Biologists gather field data and evaluate their findings to determine the best plan of attack for providing opportunities for wise use of these resources as well as goals for future management.  One way to gather data on waterfowl species like ducks and geese is to band them.  

Bird banding has been around since the 1800s.  A simple leg band is placed on a captured bird and released to live its life.  Band recoveries can provide information on movement, reproduction, harvest and a myriad of other data.  The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) currently has a couple bird banding studies underway now.  One focuses on doves and the other is looking at gathering information on resident Canada geese.  The latter is in full swing right now.

Canada geese adults are flightless as they go through a molt each summer.  It typically lasts several weeks and the birds don't venture far from water as it's their only means of escape during this time.  It's also the perfect time to round them up and do a little reasearch. 

Framed nets are laid flat on the ground in an octagon-like shape.  Adults and goslings are herded into the center and the frames are lifted and walked towards the middle to form an enclosure.  Both adults and goslings are fitted with a numbered, metal leg band issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  The bird is then sexed to determine its gender and this information is recorded and now corresponds to a specific bird.  It's released and other than some new "bling" and possibly a few ruffled feathers no worse for wear.  

More than 600 Canada geese were banded last week in the greater Wichita area.  About 8 KDWPT employees from several divisions took part in the effort.  It was a long day that started shortly before sunrise and lasted until about sunset.  It's a hot, sweaty job and geese aren't always friendly, nor do they smell good when they all get nervous and loose green tootsie rolls everywhere. 

It was interesting, though, and nice to know that efforts like these will help guide the future of Canada goose management in Kansas.