The North American Banding Council (NABC) and Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) will be hosting a NABC Evaluation Session in conjunction with the 2014 joint meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists and Wilson Ornithological Society. The Evaluation will occur immediately after the meeting, June 1 – 3, in South Kingston, Rhode Island at the Kingston Wildlife Research Station. Certification will be offered for landbirds at the Assistant Bander and Bander levels.

Participates should have substantial experience operating mist nets, identifying and banding passerines and near-passerines in the hand, and in depth applied knowledge of advanced sexing and ageing techniques. Participates are encouraged to visit NABC’s website for more information on the evaluation process, including reviewing expectations for candidates at Bander-level certification sessions. Information can be found at:  http://www.nabanding.net/certification-process/.

The certification will cost $125 ($35 NABC evaluation fee + $90 certification fee) payable to the North American Banding Council. Participants will also be responsible for covering personal costs (ie., accommodation/camping) during the evaluation.  For more information or to apply please contact Ian Ausprey (iausprey AT yahoo.com). Applicants should include a CV detailing past experiences banding landbirds and extracting birds from mist nets, including approximate numbers of birds handled.