Department of Statistical Sciences
University of Cape Town
| Avian Demography Unit
Department of Statistical Sciences University of Cape Town |
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SAFRINGParticipation in the Bird Ringing SchemeAs you may know, the capture, handling and fitting of metal rings to wild free-flying birds requires skills and experience that are normally acquired by practice and training under the supervision of a qualified ringer. Some BirdLife South Africa branches have a ringing group which conducts regular training sessions for aspirant ringers.The training period varies with the trainee's aptitude and the frequency of training sessions. Most trainees are required to remove from nets, identify, measure, age, sex (when possible) and ring some 500 individual birds of at least 50 different species before being recommended for a ringer's permit. Note also that you need to be at least 18 years old to qualify as a bird ringer. Ringing permits are issued by the Provincial Conservation authority. The trainee applies to SAFRING for a Ringer's Number and may then order rings and equipment from the Unit, such as a startup set of two nets, ringing pliers, spring scale and a range of rings. As a registered ringer your name will automatically be added to the mailing list for our bi-annual journal Afring News. For further information on trainee bird ringing please contact us at the SAFRING office on 021 650 2421/2 or email at the address given below. Becoming a bird ringing trainer Once you have qualified as a bird ringer, you may take interested people with you on your ringing trips. You may not, however, recommend a new trainee as a new ringer until you have been ringing for at least one year.
Some bird ringing projects ringers can contribute to: Record primary moult for every bird you handle. Ring European Swallows and Redbilled Quelea. Ring regularly at the same sites to obtain recaptures.
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