A Life in Waders: Mist Netting

Out of all the waterfowl species in North America, the least is known about sea ducks. Research is difficult because the birds spend much of their lives on the ocean and breed in hard to reach, arctic regions. Efforts are increasing every year though, and biologists are learning more.

Rhode Island is the winter home to several sea duck species. Common eider, surf, black, and white-wing scoter, oldsquaw, and harlequin ducks are all winter regulars along the coast of new england. Last year we began attempting to catch a few. Our most successful method was using a large "mist" net, spanned across a stretch of water, surrounded by decoys to lure the birds in close. The birds see the decoys, attempt to land with them, then hit and get tangled in the net. There was certainly a learning curve involved with setting the nets and getting the birds to play ball, but a year or so of experience is certainly showing.

With black duck trapping about done for the season, we decided to take advantage of some fair weather this week and go on a couple trips for fun. We split up and scoured the coast for sea ducks, Josh came back with the best report: 1500-2000 eider in a shallow rocky area right near shore and short run from a boat ramp. Perfect!

Day one (Tuesday) went well. Everything went smooth and we were able to trap 8 common eider, 2 of which were previously banded. A complete lack of wind and bright sun made the nets stand out and the birds became quickly wary.

Day two (Thursday) went amazing! Setting the net using two rock piles as a funnel and a little more breeze to hide the net and help direct the birds helped us catch 35 eider. Again 2 of the birds were previously banded.

Our target for this week - Common Eider