The program is jointly administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service (and its Bird Banding Office) and the United States Geological Survey.
In 1803, John James Audubon tied silver wire around the legs of nestling eastern phoebes and found two of the birds on their return to Pennsylvania the following spring.
In addition, banding activities provide information relevant to concerns for human health and safety—for example, West Nile disease and bird strikes near airports.
Results from banding studies support international conservation programs like Partners in Flight and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
An applicant must be fully trained prior to applying, and must submit a resume of past banding experience, references, and a research proposal.