Cannon Netting (twitching and science]

[Kym Bennet <>]

On cannon netting,
I agree that it is an efficient method for catching waders to aid banding
and measuring which results in gathering a lot of valuable information
over a short period of time   The knowledge gained has been useful
to develop conservation strategies that benefit migratory waders, however
I no longer feel comfortable about the adverse consequences of cannon netting/banding
these birds.  Despite postings to the contrary, there are examples
of cannon netting projects where the injury and mortality rate has been
very high and this is no longer justified.  We have obtained sufficient
knowledge now to allow the phasing out of this process in favor of more
passive field observing techniques to further expand the information base. 
With the use of advanced technology in video, photography, optics, infrared,
night vision, radar, sound recording and other techniques combined with
mobility options that were never previously feasible, we should be able
to obtain results which are adequate for most study purposes.

Before detractors start winging, grinding and carping about my views, the question about cannon netting asked by another writer to this list, when is enough enough needs to be answered.  If we are to be leaders in bird conservation and protection issues, we must look in our own backyards first.  If we don't, it is only a matter of time before community sentiment turns against us for participating in questionable practices.  It would be much better to resolve the issue within the fraternity than to face up to the condemnation of several million television viewers following a  probing "60 minutes" story.

Kym Bennet
Carnegie, Victoria