West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 7
identify birds to the highest taxonomic level
possible.
2. If the bird has leg bands, nasal tags, or radio tags,
collect the tags being careful not to damage any
identifying information printed on them. If there are
multiple leg bands, try to note which color band is
on which leg as this will often identify particular
individuals.
3. Weigh each seabird species individually (remember
to drain as much water as possible from the
carcasses). Birds are much lighter than they appear.
Individual bird weights over 2.3 lbs. are extremely
doubtful!
4. If birds drop off of longline gear or are thrown
overboard before being weighed, identify them as
best possible and use an average weight from hauls
where an actual weight was obtained for that species
or group. If no other birds were caught from this
group, visual estimate the weight as closely as
possible. Remember, birds look much heavier than
they really are.
5. If there is an actual weight for the seabird species,
record common name, species code, number taken,
and weight information on the Species Composition
Form. The WCGOP codes for each species or
species group can be found on the Seabird Species
List (Appendix D).
1/30/2004 7-33