10 T HE AU DU B*O'N’ B UC Dye Seis 
An Introduction to Mist Netting 
By RICHARD HOGER 
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE is written to acquaint the average person with 
the use of mist nets in the taking of birds for banding purposes. There are 
many who have heard erroneous statements about the safety and efficiency 
of the net as compared to the usual method of taking a bird in a trap. It 
is hoped that this article will shed some light on this matter and clear up 
any other misapprehensions people may have in regard to the use of nets. 
Mist nets were first introduced to American banders by Dr. Oliver L. 
Austin, Jr. in 1947. They were used much earlier for taking birds, but not 
in this country. If one first understands the construction of the nets and 
their application, he will quickly overcome any prejudices about netting. 
Nets are made in Japan of fine silk or nylon thread, usually black in color, 
but now available in various shades. The net can be regarded as a very 
close relative in appearance to the hairnet known to all of us. It is loosely 
woven on strong horizontal “shelfstrings’ which are spaced about 1% to 
2 feet apart. The excess netting hangs as a pocket below the shelfstrings 
and it is into this pocket that the bird drops upon striking the net. The 
birds will in most cases lie quietly, as long as they are not disturbed. 
Nets usually come in two mesh sizes, *%4 or 1% inches on a side. The 
small size, which is the most widely used, will take birds up to flicker and 
grackle size and will in some cases hold even larger species. The larger 
size is used for specific projects which entail the taking of larger birds — 
hawks, owls, ducks, etc. The smaller birds will go right through the larger 
mesh, and some of our tiny species, such as hummingbirds and kinglets, 
will even squeeze through the smaller mesh. 
The nets are made in standard lengths up to 12 meters — slightly less 
than forty feet. The height of the net is determined by the number of 
shelves — usually 2 to 5 in number. The most common net in use today 
contains four shelves, with five shelfstrings supporting the net between 
the poles that hold it erect. Each shelfstring has a heavy loop on each end 
to secure the net when it is stretched between the poles. Only high quality 
nets should be used to take birds, as this assures safe and efficient operation. 
These two points cannot be stressed too strongly. If the nets are not safe 
and efficient, the purpose for which they are intended is defeated. 
The most important single detail in mist netting is the removal of the 
bird from the net. Keen eyesight, very nimble fingers, and a good sense of 
touch are essential. Patience is, of course, extremely important. Not every 
bander can be allowed to use nets. He must first spend ample time with a 
pander who is thoroughly familiar with the entire netting procedure, and 
next he must obtain an amended permit stating that he is legally allowed 
to net birds. Until the person is thoroughly experienced with nets, he may 
use no more than three nets per station. When one is proficient at the art 
of netting birds, it is quite easy to maintain more nets except at peak in- 
fluxes during migration seasons. 
It is also important that nets be checked more frequently than traps. 
This offsets the chance of a bird becoming excessively entangled in the 
meshes of the net. One hour between visits is considered the maximum al- 
lowable time. It is not wise even to set up operations unless the majority 
of one’s time can be used to tend the nets. They may be left up overnight 
if desired, as it has been proved that birds do not get caught in the nets 
