The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-07-08
'DivOrces" In BirdIand

The distances birds go from their nests in search of food, what percentage of mature birds return to the region of their birth, and to what extent birds follow identical routes in successive migra- tons are few of the many questions on which the biological survey expects to secure important information by a re- gently devised serene to assist in bird study. This conssits of trapping various species of birds in different localities, at- taching an identifying metal band to one leg, and then releasing the brd with the expectation that this band will be recov- cred in some other place perhaps once, possibly many times. At each capture it is planned that a report shall be made of the biological survey of the locality and date. This banding of birds is being instituted on [ very much larger scale than has ever before ben attempted and the methods employed are, as will be seen, different from those commonly used in the past.
 curious discovery, learned from trap ping and banding birds, may lower these feathered friends of man in the estima tion of many who cite them as models of mates for life.' This is that there are so-caled ":divorces" in bird land. The extent to which birds divorce themselves from their mates and start on new mari tai careers is only on of the interest side lights that appear from the studies thus entered upon. The question of bird di- vorces' is one which has been suggested by information secured from Cleveland bird lover, the first user of trapping methods which have been adopted by the biological survey He found that in one case at least. -a retrapped bird had re- mated Ghough the former mate was still alive) and was rearing a brood with it's new mate just as it had done with it's first love" The extent to which birds follow this practice is not generally known. Much as naturalists will be in terested in securing information on these questions, of greater importance are the facts of practical value that will be es- tablished, permittin ga more effective ad- nninistration of the migratory bird treaty act, protecting birds which travel be- tween the United States and Canada.
 At present, regulations designed to pro- tect birds of recognized importance nec- essarily are drawn with limited knowl- edge of birds habits. Within few sea- sons after bird banding has been institut- ed in the manner proposed the government expects to have much more accurate ln- formation than any ornithologists now possess. Because the greater part or the work will be done by volunteers. the cost will be relatively small. The biological survey WISHES lO ScSulO tiAO oSi fiSSo VI a large number of competent volunteers in all parts of the country to trap birds and band their legs with small metal banks before releasing them, so that large amount of accurate data regarding the habits of feathered creatures can De secured After this cooperation is well established, undoubtedly other cases Of
 "divorces" in bird land will be reported.
 Curiously enough, many birds instead of fearing traps develop fondness TOT them, probably because they find them source of ample feed which can be se- cured without danger to themselves. While this trait occasionally is something of nuisance to the trapper, it often IS of great assistance. It is believed thar birds having learned to recognize traps, will be apt to go to them for feed in the course of their migrations, and so when caught, will furnish material for ornlthoi- ogists' reports.
 | The biological survey asks that all per sons finding banded dead birds send the bands or report of the band numbers, 1 to the department of agriculture al Washington, together with memoran- | dunn stating the circumstances involved. All persons having knowledge of bird life. who are desirous of cooperating Tn 1 the nationwide bird-banding work now being instituted, are invited to com- municate with the department at Wash | ington, D. c.