However, mist-net extraction can only be learned from practice, in the presence
of experienced colleagues, so I shall go into no further detail, except to offer the
following tips:
- Mist-nets are almost invariably more effective if set against a dark back-
ground rather than the open sky, and be sure that guys are strong enough to hold
the length of net set. When setting up, it helps to lay the poles out along (not
across) the net lane so that you have some leeway if you misjudge where the net
will come to when you start running it out. If netting in forest, setting nets diag-
onally along the net lane (ride or transect) will catch birds traveling along them
as well as across. Do not set nets across paths, as mammals (including bats) tend
to use these. Net-damage can best be reduced by setting nets angled in net-lanes
off paths and cut long enough to contain the whole net off the main path, in a
fish-bone pattern. - The height of the bottom shelf is critical because of predators. Avoid the
temptation in tropical forest to set this on the ground to catch terrestrial species
as this leads to real tangles of birds and litter and exposes birds to ants (which can
kill birds), and other predators. Setting the net 30–40 cm above ground is ideal
when the ground is bare or above the level of the longest grass to prevent ants
entering nets from the vegetation. Also, check for ant nests near the ride. If it is
essential to catch terrestrial species, set the net at 15–20 cm and clean the trails
of leaves and twigs to make army ants easier to locate (but beware snakes, which
like to bask on cleared net lanes adjacent to thick cover). It is of course essential
to set nets higher if over water. - If you are unfortunate enough to catch a snake in a net or trap do not try
to remove it by hand but encourage it out from a distance. On expedition, nets
are likely to suffer damage from a range of nontarget animals (always be wary of
livestock, buffalo, big cats etc.). So learn how to mend nets, and never store them
wet or in plastic bags. - Large insects, including hymenoptera, can be trapped in mist-nets, and
for a variety of reasons including bird welfare, these are best removed. Bamboo
poles left along net lanes may be occupied by insects, in particular ants, wasps, and
bees. Ants may inflict a painful bite, and are best knocked out of the end of the
pole before setting the net. Wasps and bees bore holes into the poles, so be sure not
to cover the hole with your hand when setting the net up as you will get stung. If
you are allergic to these stings, it is better not to leave poles out. - In some areas the theft and illegal use of mist-nets for hunting is a problem.
Be aware of this when exposing netting activities to the public, for whatever
reason (including education).
Catching the birds| 93