Subject: Re: BB Lab
Date: Jan 8 23:23:22 1997
From: Kelly Mcallister - mcallkrm at dfw.wa.gov


> Larry, you asked: >Anyone know the e-mail address for the Fish & Wildlife in
> Wash. D.C.>

Chris Maack responded:
> The e-mail for the bird banding lab is: BBL at mail.nbs.gov
>
> Although since the "nbs" is now buried in the USGS and called something else,
> perhaps they have changed the address.

I recently tried the email approach (BBL at nbs.gov) and the phone number
(1-800-327-BAND) because of the patagial marked Bald Eagle that alert
Tweeters readers will remember. I sent email messages twice before
using the telephone and getting referred to Mary Gustufson. Whenever there
is a color band, nasal disk, petagial marker, neck collar, whatever special
marker, Mary apparently handles it. When it is the aluminum ring variety,
the phone: 1-800-327-BAND or email: BBL at nbs.gov should be the contact point.

As of now, all of the former National Biological Service staff still have
nbs in their email addresses despite their adoption by the U.S. Geological
Survey.

When it comes to reporting banded birds, I found out that they are not
staffed adequately to respond in a timely manner [at least not adequate by
my patience standards (which aren't that bad)] so email seems to get ignored.
They respond better to the phone (how weird. I would rather read and respond
to email than answer the telephone; you never know who you might be forced to
listen to).

Kelly McAllister

P.S. A merlin came to visit my home on the south edge of Olympia on January
5th. It caught my eye as it wheeled and did a downward dive at some small
birds (juncos?) and landed in an aspen in my neighbor's yard where I watched
it through my scope for several minutes until it flew and made a brief pass
at another flock of small birds (siskins?) before circling off into the
distance. A real pleasure to see.