What to Do If You Find a Dead, Banded Animal

October 9, 2008

Question: I live in Alameda and recently found a small hawk in my front yard that had been attacked by another bird (it ripped its head off). The dead hawk has bands on each leg. I have the bird frozen and would like know who to turn the bands in to and to receive some information on the species and where it was banded. Do I send the whole bird or just the bands? Thanks for your help. (Dennis P., Alameda)

Answer:You will not need to send the bird or the bands anywhere. Banding information for migratory birds is compiled by the United States Geological Survey through its Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. You should be able to report this banded bird directly to its National Bird Band Laboratory at 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or send all information in through its Web site at http://www.reportband.gov/. Once you report the band information and fill in the questionnaires, they will be able to provide you with basic banding information on the bird you are reporting, including the state or province where the bird was banded, the date it was banded and the species.

Once you recover and record the banding information, you must then relinquish the carcass to a DFG game warden as it is illegal to possess birds-of-prey or “parts there of” (Fish & Game Code 3503.5 Taking, possessing or destroying birds-of prey or their eggs). You may find a warden by contacting the nearest DFG Regional or Field Office.