I'M WITH THE BAND: If a wildlife biologist ever tells you he or she 
has a band ... know that it's for the birds ... details ahead on 
Passport to Texas.


Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife


Wildlife biologists are into bands. Dove leg bands, that is. 
Crimping a diminutive silver band around the equally diminutive 
leg of a mourning dove is how wildlife biologists in Texas, 
and nationwide, have are trackedtracking the harvest rate of 
this ubiquitous species for the past several years.


"We'll also determine survival rates, where they go, when they 
get there, and when they leave. And all kinds of good information."


Jay Roberson is the leader of the webless migratory game bird 
program at the agency. 


"And it has the toll free number on it that people can call. And a 
nine digit number and the office location of the bird banding lab in 
Laurel Maryland."

Hunters who harvest dove are asked to call the phone number on 
the band.

"All the work we put in on banding doves is for naught, if they're not 
reported by hunters or people who find them. And, it's very important 
that hunters check their birds that they bag - make sure that their 
birds are not banded. If they are, we ask they report the number to 
the toll-free number: 1-800-327-BAND."

Log onto passporttotexas.org and learn how to report the band online. 


This show was made possible by the Sport fish and Wildlife 
Restoration Program ... for Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.