The North American Bird Banding Program now recommends hard metal bands for use on birds that are capable of removing aluminum bands, long lived species and species that live in aqueous environments that promote the erosion of aluminum bands. Hard metal bands may also be used as an alternative to lock-on or rivet bands for some species. Application of hard metal bands differs from that of aluminum bands and the technique must be learned in order ensure correct and safe application. The inappropriate application of hard metal bands can cause injury to birds. Hard metal bands are extremely difficult to remove and therefore banders should be familiar with both the application and the removal techniques before using these bands.

The Canadian Bird Banding Office has produced a short video that demonstrates the safe and appropriate application and removal techniques of hard metal bands. The video was made in consultation and collaboration with the North American Banding Council, the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory, Bird Studies Canada, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and the Ontario Bird Banding Association.

http://www.youtube.com/environmentcan#p/u/6/55QtqMZ-J-Q