Video: a remotely closing trap for targeted songbird capture

In this video, Researcher and Education Specialist Bonnie Flint explains how to construct a selective, remotely closing trap for songbirds.

Capturing and marking wild animals is an essential part of studying them, but the process of capture and marking can have detrimental effects on birds. While common capture methods such as mist nets are about as humane as they can be, they still cause distress for the birds and on rare occasions might cause injury (typically less than 2% of the time) or even death (less than 1% of the time).

In many cases, a research project is focused on one or a few species, but many other, non-target species are inadvertently captured. Bycatch — non-target animals captured during the process of capturing target animals — is a frequent problem in ornithological research projects that use non-selective capture methods such as mist nets, potter traps, or other non-selective baited traps. These non-target individuals can suffer negative welfare implications from being caught, and researchers may lose valuable time and resources processing bycatch for release.

We have introduced a relatively simple trap design that installs on a bird feeder and traps birds using a wireless, remotely closing door to allow selective capture of birds visiting a feeding station, a common capturing context in ornithological studies. With most traps, the birds go in and then it is difficult or impossible for them to get out. But this trap has a doorway that birds can go in and out of freely — until the researcher activates a remote control to close it. This easy-to-use trap will benefit researchers looking to effectively and efficiently capture target species while also decreasing bycatch.

If capture methods like this become common, scientists can reduce some of the negative welfare effects of research participation on wild birds.