Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I find a banded bird?
If you found the bird alive and healthy, release the bird with its band still on (a band or ring should never be removed from a healthy bird), noting the band number and details of the bird. Then either fill in an online reporting form, write, email, or ring the National Banding Office. They will need to know the following details: the band number, when the bird was found the bird (date if possible) and where the bird was found.
Little shearwater being banded,
Lizard Island, Mokohinau Islands
I have found a dead banded bird. What should I do?
Write, email or ring the National Banding Office or complete one of the the online band reporting forms. The Banding Office will need to know the following details: the band number, when the bird was found the bird (date if possible) and where the bird was found, (provide as much detail as possible). Was it freshly dead or dead a while and is there any evidence of how it died.
If interested contact your local museum who may be interested in obtaining the bird as a specimen for their collections.
Either send us in the band or may keep it if you wish, but if the numbers are hard to read, the Banding Office would like it returned.
I have found an injured bird. What should I do?
If you find an injured bird please be careful handling it. Some birds have a nasty bite. Throw a towel over the bird and then hold the back of its head (so you have control of the biting end), then lift the bird by supporting its body (and still holding it's head) and place in a box. DO NOT put the bird in a bucket of water even if it is a seabird. Make sure the bird does not get too hot or too cold.
Take the bird (first phone if you can) to your local Bird Rescue Centre or SPCA. A list of Rescue Centres can be found on the NZ Birds website. If you can give a donation to help with the care of the bird it would be appreciated by the rescue centres as they are voluntary organisations. If you cannot find a rescue centre and the bird is native or endemic to New Zealand, then DOC should be informed. Contact your local DOC office.
What bird clubs or societies can I join?
The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, whose aim is to foster the study, knowledge and enjoyment of birds in New Zealand is the organisation that is specifically involved with the study of birds in New Zealand. No special qualifications are required for admission and membership is open to all who are interested in birds. The Ornithological Society of New Zealand website has more information.
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