Instruction Sheet: Applying for a Scientific Permit under the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR), 2022

General Information

A Scientific Permit may be issued to a person who acts with a Scientific purpose, meaning that the purpose of the project is related to studies and systematic investigations that are aimed at developing scientific knowledge, including migratory bird conservation and management, in a given sector. A Scientific Permit holder may, for Scientific purposes, including Banding, or for Rehabilitation or Educational purposes, do one or more of the following activities subject to the conditions of the permit, if the activity is listed on the permit:

• capture, kill, injure or harass a migratory bird
• destroy, take or disturb an egg
• damage, destroy, remove or disturb a nest
• deposit bait in any place during the period referred to in subsection 6(1), in accordance with subsections 6(3) to (5)
• exchange, give or have in their possession a migratory bird, egg or nest
• if they are authorized to capture and band a migratory bird, take birds that are killed as a result of normal banding operations or that are found dead

Activities that do not require a Scientific Permit include:

• Photography from a distance
• Breeding Bird Surveys
• The collection of feces or regurgitate from the environment (since no migratory birds or parts will be taken)
• Nest removal and/or destruction outside of the breeding season provided the species is not included in Schedule 1 of the MBR 2022
• Aerial surveys provided that the intention is not to disturb or impact migratory birds. CWS recommends a minimum aircraft altitude of 650 m and 1100 m near areas where birds are known to concentrate (e.g. Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, breeding colonies, moulting areas, etc.)
• Observational studies that are conducted from a distance where there is no disturbance to migratory birds, eggs or nests
• Nest searching provided that there is no handling and observations are conducted from a distance where there is no disturbance to migratory birds, eggs or nests
• Temporary possession for the purpose of transporting injured birds to a rehabilitation centre for treatment
• Laboratories accepting found dead birds for disease screening

Depending on which activities you are applying to conduct, you must fill out different parts of the Scientific Permit application form (Part 1, Part 2, Part 8 and plus the other Part(s) and Annexes that relate to your activities). Annex 6 (of this document) contains contact information for the regional Canadian Wildlife Service permitting offices.

For the purpose of the application form, the applicant refers to the person responsible for filling out the application form and who intends to become the "Permit holder" pending the approval of the application and issuance of a permit. The Applicant may also be a current permit holder who is applying for permit renewal.

The applicant is required to provide proof of their ability to carry out the activities being applied for (as set out in the relevant part(s) of the application form) and demonstrate their competence with certain techniques.

Please complete the following sections in the Scientific Permit Application form if:

Part 1: Applicant and general information (Mandatory) Mandatory for all Scientific Permit applications

Part 2: Project information (Mandatory) Mandatory for all Scientific Permit applications

Part 3: Application for Scientific Banding purposes

• You want to capture and handle migratory birds to band or mark for Scientific purposes
• want to take biological samples, apply auxiliary markers or perform veterinary procedures such as surgeries to insert internal transmitters, injection of chemicals or biopsiesYo on free-living migratory birds while banding
• You want to deposit bait at any time or place for Banding purposes

If you want to take possession of migratory birds that are found dead while undertaking banding activities or that are found dead

Part 4: Application for Non-Banding Scientific purposes

• You want to conduct activities such as killing, injuring or harassing a migratory bird or take a migratory bird for scientific purposes
• You want to damage, destroy or disturb a migratory bird egg for Scientific purposes
• You want to destroy, damage or disturb a migratory bird nest for Scientific purposes
• You want to deposit bait during the specified time and place for Scientific purposes
• You want to undertake a Scientific activity that would alter or influence the activities of the migratory birds under study
• want to take biological samples or perform veterinary procedures such as surgeries to insert internal transmitters, injection of chemicals or obtain biopsiesYo on free-living migratory birds

Part 5: Application for Scientific Rehabilitation purposes

• You want to take, possess, transport, care for injured, orphaned, oiled and/or ill migratory birds for Rehabilitation purposes

Part 6: Application for Educational purposes

• You want to possess live migratory birds for Educational purposes
• You want to take and possess migratory birds, nests or eggs from the wild for Educational purposes (e.g., for a mounted collection)
• You want to possess migratory birds, eggs and/or nests to hold as part of a mounted collection (where specimens are received legally from other individuals)

Part 7: Annexes

• Checklist indicating applicable annexes depending on scientific activity

Part 8: Signature of Applicant

• Mandatory for all Scientific Permit applications

Annex 1: Auxiliary markers, biological sample collection, and veterinary procedures (for Scientific Banding only)

• You intend to mark birds with auxiliary markers, collect biological samples and/or use other veterinary procedures

Annex 2: Nominees

• Any individual other than the permit applicant who will be undertaking the activities for which a permit is being sought must be included as a nominee

Annex 3: For Species at Risk

• Under the federal Species at Risk Act, permits are required for persons conducting activities that affect a species listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as extirpated, endangered or threatened, any part of its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals. If your application is for activities that will affect a migratory bird species at risk, you must complete Annex 3

Annex 4: Exchange

• If you intend to gift, exchange or be on the receiving side of the gift or exchange

Annex 5: Additional project and activity information

• Attach an additional Annex 5 for each additional project and/or activity you intend to contribute to under the same Scientific Permit

Annex 6: Permitting sections contact information, Canadian Wildlife Service offices (by region)

For any instance where you are requesting authorization to handle live migratory birds, you must follow the Canadian Council on Animal Care :

• guidelines on: the care and use of wildlife
• species-specific recommendations on: birds
• guidelines on: euthanasia of animals used in science

Once your application is complete (all the relevant Parts and Annexes have been completed), send it by email (preferred), mail or fax to the relevant Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) permitting office. All mandatory documentation must be included. If you have any questions about Scientific Banding permits specifically, please visit Bird banding program overview for more information.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Service Standard

The CWS service standard is to make 90% of permit decisions within 40 days after the completed application is received or 20 days before the permit is required, whichever is later. For authorizing an activity directly affecting listed wildlife species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), a permit decision will be made within 90-days.

The service standard will be paused until all the required documents have been submitted. If you are applying to conduct activities in the territories, the Canadian Wildlife Service process works in conjunction with other processes and requirements, which can alter the decision time. Further consultation may be required in these regions which will also pause the service standard until the process is complete.

Your application must be completed in sufficient detail so that CWS can fully assess the proposed activities. Incomplete, unsigned or illegible application forms cannot be processed and may result in a delay or refusal of your application. For permit renewals, an application is considered incomplete if a report for the preceding year is not submitted according to the terms of the permit. If a section is not applicable, please write or select N/A (not applicable).

Please note: In the instructions that follow, where the information requested under a section of the application form is self-explanatory, no description is provided in the instructions for that section (however, the section number is listed as a placeholder to follow the sequence of the application form).

Part 1: Applicant and general information (Mandatory)

All Scientific Permit applicants must complete Part 1 for an application to be considered complete.

Section 1: Permit request information

1.1 Type of request

Please select one option accordingly.

• New application – You have never previously held a MBR Scientific permit or there have been substantial changes to your project and/or activities since you have last held a valid MBR Scientific permit.
• Permit renewal – You wish to continue the activities for which you are currently authorized to undertake and your current permit has recently or will soon expire. You may apply for a permit renewal if your permit has recently expired provided your project and/or activities remain the same and you have submitted your report form on time.
• Modification to existing permit – You wish to make changes to your existing permit. Changes that require modification include change in permit holder, addition of nominees, applying for a new project under the same permit and changes to activities and species.

Administrative changes, such as a change to a mailing address, phone number or nominee, can be requested by emailing your regional office. For Scientific Banding Permits, your regional office is the Bird Banding Office (BBO) regardless of geographic location. If you are currently a Banding permit holder, you can also contact the BBO through the Bird Banding Program Bander Portal.

1.2 Purpose of permit

Indicate the purpose of this Scientific Permit application. You may select more than one option depending on the scope of your project::

• Scientific Banding
• Non-Banding Scientific
• Scientific Rehabilitation
• Scientific Education

For Scientific Banding Permits, indicate which of the following applies to you, the applicant:

• A master permit holder refers to a skilled and knowledgeable bander who may be involved in many projects, coordinates the activities of all sub-permittees, and is responsible for the administrative duties relating to the permit such as submitting band reports and requesting bird bands.
• A station permit is issued to a responsible individual (RI) who represents an organization, such as a bird observatory, government department or other organization conducting long term projects.
• A sub-permit is issued to a skilled bander who works on projects in association with a master or station permit. If you are applying for a sub-permit you must include the permit number of the associated master or station permit and have your application signed by the master or RI.

For other Scientific purposes, check the corresponding box that applies and complete the corresponding part.

1.3 History

Please answer accordingly to provide CWS offices with an understanding of your history in relation with holding previous MBR permits.

Section 2: Applicant information

2.1 Applicant contact information

The applicant is the individual who is applying to undertake the otherwise prohibited activities and to whom the permit would be issued. The applicant may wish to include prefixes/titles or pronouns.

2.2 Organization information (if applicable)

If applying on behalf of an organization, the applicant must state the museum, university, scientific society or government (organization), as well as the organization’s mandate, website and mailing address (if the address is different from the applicant’s address).

2.3 Nominees

Nominees are individuals who will be undertaking the permitted activities with, or on behalf, of the permit holder. If a permit is issued, the permit holder is responsible for the actions of the nominees under their supervision while conducting the activities authorized under the permit, and for ensuring that the nominees are properly qualified and instructed for the tasks they will be undertaking. Nominees have the capacity to act on behalf of the permit holder to engage in activities under section 75(2) of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022. Please note that nominees cannot be added to Banding permits. If you are a Scientific Banding applicant, please refer to Part 2 section 1.8 for Collaborating permittees.

For Scientific Education purposes:

• For mounted collections, individuals taking specimens from the wild need to be listed as nominees.
• For live collections, only permanent staff in charge of the migratory birds and a veterinarian are required to be named on the permit. Other support staff, assistants and volunteers do not need to be named as nominees unless they will be conducting permitted activities outside the facility. List the names of these individuals in Annex 2 in column 1.

Please check the box if you intend on having nominees and have completed Annex 2.

Section 3: Completed parts and attached documentation

This section outlines which documents you may need to attach to your Scientific Permit application depending on which Parts are filled out. If you check off a Part, it is understood that you have provided all necessary documentation needed for CWS to make a decision on your application. Your application is considered complete when all relevant documentation is received. Incomplete applications will not be processed. You will be notified if your application is incomplete. Attach additional relevant documentation such as your research proposal, recent publications, standard operating procedures etc.

Please note that you may be contacted using the information provided in this application at any point of the permitting process to provide additional documentation deemed necessary to make a final decision.

Part 2: Project and activity information (Mandatory)

All permit applicants must complete this section. This part provides the justification for the need of a Scientific permit. The purpose of the project must be related to studies and systematic investigations that are aimed at developing scientific knowledge, including migratory bird conservation and management, in a given sector. If you intend to work on multiple projects and/or activities, please complete additional Annex 5s for each additional project (ex. if you intend to work on three projects under the same Scientific Permit, you must fill out this Part and two Annex 5s).

1.1 Project title

1.2 Project objectives

Please demonstrate the value of the project by outlining its objectives.

1.3 Project summary

Please provide a plain language summary of the project. We use this information to respond to enquiries from the public.

1.4 Project description

Briefly describe how you will achieve the project’s objectives.

1.5 Project justification

In addition to the justification for the need to use migratory birds, please demonstrate the conservation value your project or activities will contribute to scientific understanding or practice.

1.6 Applicant qualifications (or resume or CV attached)

Please provide a description of your qualifications as it relates with the purpose and activities you are requesting authorization for. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) may be attached instead if it details your experience and qualifications in relation to the activities outlined in your project summary.

For Scientific Banding applicants: Describe your experience capturing, handling, and banding birds. Include information about your technical qualifications, academic qualifications, and experiences with species or species groups. List hands-on experience with techniques, trainers, internships, courses, workshops, certifications, and any other relevant experience with approximate dates).

When describing your banding experience, include information about your hands-on experience with techniques and species or species groups. Also, include information about trainers and mentors, courses and workshops you have attended, certifications you have obtained, internships you have participated in, and any other relevant experience. Applicants must already be trained in the techniques for which they are applying.

If applying for a modification to your permit, describe your training and skill level for any new species group or authorization.

1.7 Injuries and mortalities

Depending on the circumstances, appropriate responses to a bird injury could include immediate release, applying wildlife first aid, temporary holding of an injured bird for up to 24 hours until recovery, transport to a licensed rehabilitator, or euthanasia.

A condition of your Banding permit is if a bird is injured during the permitted activities and cannot be rehabilitated or released, the permit holder may euthanize the bird to prevent further suffering. Permit holders should know how to determine when euthanasia is necessary, and they must be trained in appropriate euthanasia or humane killing methods for their study species, how to confirm death and how to safely dispose of dead birds in a sanitary manner. See the CCAC's guidelines on the care and use of wildlife for methods for wildlife in general and specifically for birds.

1.8 Collaborating permittees (for Banding applicants only)

Scientific Banding permits do not have the option of listing nominees. Collaborating permittees can instead be added to have qualified individuals work under the same project and activities. Provide the names, bird Banding permit numbers, and a list of authorizations required by any collaborators who will be undertaking project activities without supervision. Authorizations are listed in Table 1 below. Add additional rows as required.

1.9 Geographic scope

Indicate in which provinces and/or territories you intend to conduct activities. If the project is to be conducted in a protected area (e.g., Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Areas, national park, etc.), or on indigenous lands, other permits or consent may be required. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary permits, and to ensure that you have landowner permission to access the public or private land.

1.10 Address, UTM, geolocation or proximity to nearest identifiable town or city

When the address of the location(s) is not a street address: Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, latitude and longitude coordinates, a parcel identification number or a legal land description is required.

Some applications, such as banding may not have specific locations to list.

1.11 Project duration (anticipated)

These dates may be estimated if your project length is uncertain. For long-term monitoring projects where the intent is to continue indefinitely, write “indefinitely” in the end date field.

Part 3: Application for Scientific Banding purposes

A Scientific Banding Permit may authorize the taking, capturing and banding of a migratory bird for Scientific purposes. Applicants completing Part 3 can request authorizations for the following activities: banding, baiting and the collection of dead birds killed during banding processes.

Section 1: Banding experience

1.1 Permit applicant experience

This subsection addresses your banding experience in a broad context, and discusses your familiarity with concepts all permit holders should know. Applicants and permit holders should be familiar with the North American Bird Banding Program, Banders’ code of ethics, The North American Banding Council manuals, the Ornithological Council’s Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Guidelines on: the care and use of wildlife, the CCAC species-specific recommendations on: Birds and the Migratory birds in research animal user training module. The CCAC also provides Guidelines on euthanasia of animals used in science.

You may wish to use the North American Banding Council’s (NABC) Banders’ checklist and attach it to this application (please indicate that it has been attached) in addition to your written description (hummingbirds, passerines and other landbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl). If you are requesting to band a single or a few target species only, write them in the “specific species” section.

Prior field experience in euthanasia and humane killing is not required to obtain a permit, however applicants are expected to be trained in the protocols required in emergencies and ready to implement them if required.

1.2 Animal Use Protocol (AUP) and Animal Care Committee (ACC) approval documents

ACC approval documentation is not required when:

• the project only involves the use of migratory birds that are already dead (birds found dead in the wild or carcasses received from other permit holders)
• collections do not involve live specimens (feathers collected from inactive nests, the collection of nests that will not be reused, non-viable egg collection)

ACC approval documentation may be requested when:

• live migratory birds or their parts or eggs will be taken out of the wild or handled
• migratory birds will be killed

Section 2: Species

Important: Annex 3 of the application must be completed.

2.1 Target species

In the first column, check the boxes for the migratory bird species or species groups you are requesting authorization to capture and band. In the second and third columns, list the number of species and individuals you have banded for all species groups respectively.

2.2 Non-target species

Non-target species refer to migratory bird species that are not directly targeted but may be impacted indirectly as a result of the activities. If these species are unintentionally captured, they must be handled and released according to your protocol.

Section 3: Activities and methods

3.1 Activity description

Applicants are expected to provide sufficient detail to allow an evaluation of the methodologies and appropriateness of the proposed techniques for the species and life stage of the study subjects (insufficient detail will delay permit assessment). Details such as handling time, calculations for volume of blood, needle gauge and end points should be included.

3.2 Capture methods and additional authorization requests

Check the boxes for the capture methods and additional authorizations you are requesting. See Table 1 and Table 2 at the end of this document for a list of authorizations and auxiliary markers. Any project attaching auxiliary markers or biological sampling require an Annex 1. Describe your experience with all capture methods requested. Authorization for the use of cannon, rocket nets, capture using drugs or capture using dogs requires a letter written by your trainer attesting to your training and competency for using this method safely. Include a detailed protocol or standard operating procedure (SOP) on the use of cannon or rocket nets with your application. The authorizations for banding captive birds at release require the relevant additional Scientific Permit number issued by your regional CWS permit office. See the guidelines on the topic.

3.3 Data management

Describe your experience and competency with data collection, record keeping, report submission and whether or not you are familiar with the program Bandit 4.0 and its data codes. If unfamiliar with Bandit, please read the user manual and learn how to use it. It is your responsibility to submit your data error-free to the banding program using Bandit 4.0. The user manual addresses common issues.

Please indicate how you intend to manage additional data collected under your Banding permit. When submitting banding data through Bandit 4.0, there are eight required fields (Band Number, Disposition, Species, Age, Sex, Banding Date, Bird Status, and Banding Location). All other information collected during banding operations is considered additional data and some can be submitted to the BBO/BBL database as additional pre-defined fields (e.g. Weight, Tarsus length, Wing chord, etc.) or in user-defined fields. Additional data can also be sent to other data repositories, such as the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network, MAPS, Avian Knowledge Network, etc.

It is a condition of your permit that all tracking data collected under your permit using an electronic device attached to a bird be submitted to a suitable long-term data repository where it can be safely archived for future analysis. We strongly recommend that you also make the data publicly available to maximize the value of the data for conservation and science. Examples of repositories for tracking data include Movebank, Motus Wildlife Tracking System and the Seabird Tracking Database.

Section 4: Alternatives and mitigation

4.1 Consideration of alternatives

Demonstrate, that you have considered whether there are less invasive alternatives that would provide similar results, e.g., a survey could answer the study question, the study minimizes the number of individuals disturbed, etc. Please refer to the CCAC’s Three Rs and Ethics to ensure you have sufficiently considered options for replacement, reduction and refinement.

4.2 Mitigation measures and risk management

Make the appropriate selections. If you select Other, please provide a description. If you have supporting documentation that can provide additional information (for example: pre-existing plans) please attach the documentation(s) to the end of this application and indicate you have done so by checking the “Supporting documentation attached” box.

Section 5: Protected areas

If the applicant proposes to work in a protected area, other permits or permissions may be required.

Section 6: Intended use of the dead bird at the end of the proposed activity

If a migratory bird is killed as a result of normal banding operations that follow careful handling and capture procedures or is found dead, for instance in the wild, a Scientific Permit holder who is authorized to band can take and possess the bird. If this happens to be the case, please indicate the use of the migratory bird by checking all that may apply.

Part 4: Application for non-banding scientific purposes

A Scientific Permit is required to undertake the otherwise prohibited activities of capturing, killing, injuring or harassing a migratory bird for Non-Banding Scientific purposes. It may also authorize the destroying, taking or disturbing of a migratory bird egg and/or the damaging, destroying, removing, or disturbing of a migratory bird nest. Other possible activities include depositing bait in accordance with the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 and the exchanging, giving or possessing of a migratory bird, egg or nest.

Section 1: Additional documentation

Animal Use Protocol (AUP) and Animal Care Committee (ACC) approval documents

ACC approval documentation is not required when:

• the project only involves the use of migratory birds that are already dead (birds found dead in the wild or carcasses received from other permit holders)
• collections do not involve live specimens (feathers collected from inactive nests, the collection of nests that will not be reused, non-viable egg collection)

ACC approval documentation is required when:

• live migratory birds or their parts or eggs will be taken out of the wild or handled
• migratory birds will be killed

Section 2: Species

Important: If a migratory bird species that will be affected is also listed on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act as extirpated, endangered or threatened, Annex 3 of the application must be completed.

2.1 Target species

2.2 Non-target species

Non-target species refer to species that are not directly targeted but may be impacted indirectly as a result of the activities. If these species are unintentionally captured, they must be released immediately.

Section 3: Activities and methods

3.1 Applicable Activities

Select all applicable activities as listed in section 75(2) of the Migratory Bird Regulations. It is possible that multiple activities are selected. The activities the applicant is seeking to be authorized should reflect the Activity description to be explained in the following section, 3.2.

3.2 Activity description

Applicants are expected to provide sufficient detail to allow an evaluation of the methodologies and appropriateness of the proposed techniques for the species and life stage of the study subjects (insufficient detail will delay permit assessment). Details such as handling time, calculations for volume of blood, needle gauge and end points should be included.

Section 4: Alternatives and mitigation

4.1 Consideration of alternatives

Applicants should demonstrate, for example, that they have considered whether there are less invasive alternatives that would provide similar results, the study minimizes the number of individuals disturbed, and so on.

4.2 Mitigation measures and risk management

Make the appropriate selections. If you select Other, please provide a description. If you have supporting documentation that can provide additional information (for example: pre-existing plans) please attach the documentation(s) to the end of this application and indicate you have done so by checking the “Supporting documentation attached” box.

4.3 Euthanasia of migratory birds or eggs

The permit holder may euthanize the bird to prevent further suffering if a migratory bird is injured during the permitted activities and cannot be rehabilitated or released. Permit holders should know how to determine when euthanasia is necessary, and they should be trained in which method to use, how to confirm death and how to safely dispose of dead birds in a sanitary manner. See the CCAC's guidelines on the care and use of wildlife for methods for wildlife in general and specifically for birds.

Section 5: Protected areas

If the applicant proposes to work in a protected area, other permits or permissions may be required.

Section 6: Disposal, disposition or intended use

6.1 Final disposition or disposal and location

Please check all boxes that may apply. When asked to provide a location, if known or used in the past, please indicate where the specimens will be disposed of, deposited or released. Carcasses must be disposed of in a sanitary manner in accordance with local regulations. If you select Other, please provide an explanation.

Check the box to indicate you acknowledge that the final disposition or disposal and location must be recorded on the report form should a permit be granted.

6.2 Intended use of the migratory bird, eggs and nests at the end of the proposed activity

Please check all boxes that may apply. If you select Other, please specify.

Part 5: Application for Scientific Rehabilitation purposes

Rehabilitation requires specific knowledge, skills and facilities as well as judgment as to what is best for the animal, which may in some cases be euthanasia. Permits will only be issued to individuals from facilities who can demonstrate these competencies.

The purpose of rehabilitation is for a recuperated bird to be released to the wild as soon as seasonal conditions allow.

You must follow:

• The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) (http://www.ccac.ca/en_/standards/guidelines):
  • guidelines on: the care and use of wildlife
  • species-specific recommendations on: Birds
  • guidelines on: euthanasia of animals used in science
• The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)

If you anticipate you will receive migratory bird species that are also federally listed species at risk, please fill out Annex 3.

Section 1: Species

If you will only be taking certain species of migratory birds for rehabilitation, please indicate which ones (if you will be admitting federally listed migratory bird species at risk, you must fill out Annex 3). If you can accept all species, write “all”.

Note: If you have not applied to specifically rehabilitate migratory birds that are also federal species at risk, but one is admitted during the course of your permitted activities, you must inform your regional Canadian Wildlife Service office immediately (by email or phone), and Annex 3 will be sent to you for completion at that time.

Section 2: Training

2.1 Hands-on experience

Indicate what hands-on experience you have with rehabilitating migratory birds and where or how you received it. The areas you should provide information for are activities such as: capturing, handling, feeding and the types of treatment you have provided. You must show a minimum of 100 hours gained over the course of at least one year (up to 20 hours can be obtained through courses or seminars).

2.2 Academic qualifications

Provide a list of courses or seminars that you have taken that are relevant to the rehabilitation of migratory birds (provincial certification, parasitology course, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council courses, pain and wound management training). You must also attach the course completion certificates or transcripts.

2.3 Provincial, territorial inspection certificate, rehabilitation license. permit number or other applicable certification (☐ certification, license or permit is attached, If applicable)

Please indicate the certification, license or permit number if you select yes.

2.4 International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator

Please indicate whether the applicant or a permanent staff member is IWRC-certified.

2.5 Veterinarian

Indicate whether the applicant, a permanent staff member or another individual will be providing veterinary services (and their name). Affiliated veterinarians may be added as nominees (in instances where that individual is providing veterinary services but they are not the applicant or permanent staff member); however, the individual’s current license or license number must also be attached.

Section 3: Activities and facilities

3.1 Applicable activities

Select all applicable activities as listed in section 75(2) of the Migratory Bird Regulations. It is possible that multiple activities are selected. The activities the applicant is seeking to be authorized should reflect the Activity description to be explained in the following section, 3.2.

3.2 Activity description

Describe the activities that are likely to take place for Rehabilitation purposes under the qualified individual’s expertise. Examples include specific physical therapy techniques, performing surgeries, re-training migratory birds, as needed.

3.3 Facility description

A description of the facilities and cages in which the migratory birds will be held must be provided (species-specific). Photographs and drawings are also encouraged as they are helpful in a facility assessment. Animal care facilities must be separate from human living and recreation areas.

The standards used by the CWS to assess the facilities are the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Minimum Standards for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (current edition), therefore it is recommended that the applicant use these as a guide when setting up and equipping the facility.

Section 4: Risk management

4.1 Potential risks

Provide as much detail as possible concerning potential risks to migratory birds when conducting requested activities.

4.2 Euthanasia methods

A permit holder may euthanize the migratory bird to prevent further suffering if it cannot be rehabilitated or released. Permit holders should know how to determine when euthanasia is necessary, and they should be trained in which method to use, how to confirm death and how to safely dispose of dead birds in a sanitary manner. See the CCAC's guidelines on the care and use of wildlife for methods for wildlife in general and specifically for birds and the ECCC guidelines for bird euthanasia and humane killing in prep. If applicable, the applicant may also attach additional documentation such as the organization’s euthanasia policy or SOP and indicate it as an “Other” document in Part 1, Section 3.

Section 5: Location

5.1 Service area or scope of response service

Indicate how far from the facility staff and nominees will be able to travel to retrieve migratory birds (within a certain radius of the facility, for example) to the best of your knowledge. Please indicate N/A if migratory birds will be received and no travel will be done.

5.2 Protected areas

If the applicant proposes to retrieve migratory birds from a protected area, other permits or permissions may be required.

Section 6: Disposal, disposition or intended use

6.1 Final disposition of live migratory birds

Please check all that may apply for the planned disposition of any live migratory birds after rehabilitation. It is your responsibility to ensure there is landowner permission, whether the land is public or private, and that all other regulations are met to use a location as a release site.

Check the box to indicate you acknowledge that the final disposition or disposal and location must be recorded on the report form should a permit be granted.

6.2 Final disposal or disposition of dead migratory birds

If a migratory bird is euthanized within the rehabilitation center or in the field or is found dead during treatment, a Scientific Permit holder may be authorized to take and possess the bird. Provide a description of the planned disposition or intended use of any dead migratory birds; whether they will be disposed of (incinerated on site, transported to a landfill or off-site disposal, transferred to another permit holder, donating it to an institution for Educational purposes or preserving it in an appropriate research facility for future scientific studies. Carcasses must be disposed of in a sanitary manner in accordance with local regulations. If any of the planned disposition involves transferring dead migratory birds to another valid permit holder, please fill out Annex 4 if the recipient is already known.

Check the box to indicate you acknowledge that the final disposition (including exchanges) or disposal and location must be recorded on the report form should a permit be granted.

Part 6: Application for scientific educational purposes

Scientific educational purposes means the use of live migratory birds or mounted or preserved birds, specimens, eggs or nests where the specimens are used either passively (display) or actively (interactive demonstrations) for education, training and/or to promote conservation and increase knowledge of migratory birds.

A Scientific Permit for Educational purposes can authorize:

• the holding of mounted or preserved collections of migratory birds, and parts thereof, nests and/or eggs
• the take of migratory birds, nests or eggs from the wild to hold under a collection
• the possession of live migratory birds that have been received or gifted from other Scientific Permit holders.

Section 1: Species

If you are applying to possess or take specific migratory bird species, please indicate which ones, and the number of individuals. Indicate whether you will be taking migratory birds from the wild, and/or will be receiving migratory birds or specimens from other permit holders. Also indicate whether you will be taking or receiving nests and/or eggs, from where, or from whom, and how many of each and what species of migratory bird they are from.

If the purpose of this application is to take or possess migratory birds that are also listed in Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act as extirpated, endangered or threatened, you must fill out Annex 3.

Section 2: Experience

2.1 Academic qualifications and courses taken

If you are unsure of whether a course qualifies, provide a list (or transcript) of courses and seminars that you have taken that are relevant to the activities you are requesting (courses specific to migratory birds, wildlife degree).

2.2 Member of a museum association

If the organization that you are from or applying on behalf of is not a museum, select “NA”. If you are from a museum that is not a member of an association, select “No”. If the museum is a member, select “yes” and provide association’s name.

2.3 Accredited Member of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)

If the organization that you are from or applying on behalf of is not a zoo, select “NA”. If you are from a zoo that is not an accredited member of CAZA, select “No”. If the zoo is an accredited member of CAZA, select “Yes”, and also indicate the date the accreditation was received.

2.4 Animal Use Protocol (AUP) and Animal Care Committee (ACC) approval documents

Check “Yes” if your proposed activities involve the handling of live migratory birds and attach the AUP and ACC documents with this application. Check “No” only if the proposed activities are to maintain collections of non-live migratory birds and you do not anticipate to have live migratory birds in your possession.

2.5 Pedagogical Merit Of Live Animal-Based Teaching And Training

This is required if you intend to hold migratory birds for live educational purposes.

Section 3: Activities and facilities

3.1 Applicable activities

Select all applicable activities as listed in section 75(2) of the Migratory Bird Regulations. It is possible that multiple activities are selected. The activities the applicant is seeking to be authorized should reflect the Activity description to be explained in the following section, 3.2.

3.2 Activity description

The description would include, for example, whether the activities include the passive and/or active display of migratory birds for Educational purposes, the content of the educational programs, and so on.

3.3 Facility description

A description of the facility where the live migratory birds or specimen collection will be kept must be provided. Photographs, drawings, etc. are also acceptable. Facilities must be separate from human living and recreation areas for human and animal health. Applicants who foresee taking in ill birds should demonstrate that their facilities can properly house them, including potential requirements for quarantine.

Section 4: Risk management

4.1 Risk to live migratory birds (For live collections only)

Describe the potential for the spread of disease, or injury to the migratory birds, as well as how these risks will be addressed.

4.2 Veterinarian

Indicate whether the applicant, a permanent staff member or another individual will be providing veterinary services (and their name). The individual’s current license or license number must also be attached.

Section 5: Protected areas

If the location of the facility or area of specimen collection is in a protected area, other permits or permissions may be required.

Part 7: Annexes

This section provides a checklist of annexes that could apply to the specific Scientific Permit application type.

Note: If the species of migratory bird, egg or nest is also a federally listed species at risk (extirpated, endangered or threatened) or a federally listed species at risk will be affected by the proposed activities, Annex 3 must be filled out. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. A list of species protected can be found in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, 2002.

Part 8: Signature of applicant

The name in this section must match the name of the applicant in Part 1, Section 1.4 of the application.

The signature binds the applicant to the statement of certification. Please ensure that all information is correct and that the statement is read before signing and dating the application. If you do not sign the application, the application cannot be processed.

A digital signature can be applied.

Annexes

Annex 1: Auxiliary markers, biological sample collection, and veterinary procedures

Please complete this Annex if you intend to mark birds with auxiliary markers, collect biological samples and/or use other veterinary procedures. Multiple projects may be included on one form.

Enter your name and the most recent permit number, and indicate which authorizations you are requesting.

A1.1 Procedures

Describe your proposed methods for all procedures (attaching auxiliary markers, collecting biological samples, and/or using other veterinary procedures) or attach relevant AUPs or SOPs.

A1.2 Minimizing risk and harm

Proposed procedures and techniques should minimize risk of harm to individuals and the environment. Harm incurred on the way to knowledge is unjustified if there is an alternative, less harmful way to obtain the answer. Secondly, harm incurred when there is no knowledge to gain is not acceptable. Researchers should strive to maximize knowledge gained from each individual. Placing auxiliary markers, taking biological samples and performing veterinary procedures are additional techniques that have a higher chance to impact birds. Please indicate how you have considered animal welfare in your protocol by answering the questions. For further reading on harm mitigation and The Three Rs – replacement, reduction and refinement - visit the CCAC website.

A1.3 Training and experience

Provide as much detail as possible

A1.4 Colour marking scheme

If you are colour-banding, please include the colour combinations and positions that you would like to use. Be sure to indicate where you will be placing the federal metal band as well. Your request will be taken into consideration, but already existing projects have priority. The BBO coordinates colour-banding to reduce the chance of overlap in marking schemes. Due to higher hatch-year mortality in most species, please consider cohort banding when colour-banding nestlings at nest sites to reduce the need for individual colour combinations. For example, band all nestlings with the same colour each year (e.g., one red band for 2022, a blue band for 2023), adding a second individualized band once these nestlings return the next year (e.g., black over red for one bird and blue over red for another).

A1.5 Authorization description table

Please list all auxiliary markers you plan to attach, biological samples you plan to collect, or veterinary procedures you intend to perform by species. Use the codes provided in Table 2 below to indicate which auxiliary markers you intend to use. For each auxiliary marker type, include an estimate of how many markers will be used. Include the make and model number of any electronic devices you intend to attach, and their mass (g). The standard metal federal band is not an auxiliary marker and does not need to be listed here, unless using an anodized (00B) or painted (00C) version. For each type of biological collection or veterinary procedure, include where on the bird the collection or procedure will be performed, the size/volume of an individual sample (biological collections only), and an estimate of how many birds will be sampled or have procedures performed on them. The final column is an estimate of the total number of birds of that species that will be marked and/or sampled. For example, if an applicant intends to attach a radio transmitter and take a blood sample from 50 Dunlin, this number would be 50. However, if they intend to attach a radio transmitter to 50 Dunlin and take a blood sample from 50 Dunlin that do not receive transmitters, this number will be 100.

Annex 2: Nominees (Does not apply to banding applicants)

List the names of the employees or individuals who will be conducting the permitted activities. If there are multiple employees from a company who will be performing the activity, indicating “Employees of” with the company name is acceptable. The permit may need to be amended at a later date with the names of the nominees who are not employees of the company.

In the “Activities nominees will be conducting” column, please provide a general overview of the activities to be carried out by the nominees listed. You may also wish to add any qualifications relevant (for instance, you may indicate a nominee has relevant training or certification). In some cases, ECCC may require more information about a nominee’s qualifications.

All nominees are required to carry a copy of the permit as well as identification while performing the activity. If a nominee is employed by the company with which a permit holder is associated and the nominee’s name does not appear on the permit (i.e. the permit indicates “employees of” the company are nominees), they must also carry documentation or identification stating that they are an employee of said company.

Annex 3: Species at risk

This annex must be completed if any migratory bird that is also a federally listed species at risk (extirpated, endangered or threatened) will be affected by the activities to be conducted under the permit.

In accordance with regulatory requirements, certain information such as the permit number, permit duration and a description of the activities will be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

1. Species

List all species at risk affected

2. Purpose of project activities involving SAR

Select all options that apply

3. Qualified persons

Provide details in support of the individual’s qualifications. This can include resume (CV), documentation of successfully completed training, transcripts or experience.

4. Alternatives

The applicant must adequately demonstrate that they have considered all reasonable alternatives. One of the alternatives to the activity that must be considered is the option of not undertaking the activity.

5. Mitigation measures

Provide thorough description of all feasible mitigation measures that will be taken.

6. Effect on survival or recovery

Include as much information as possible. Your assessment of whether the activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species should include considerations for the population and distribution objectives as described in the SARA recovery strategy.

Annex 4: Exchange

In accordance with section 75(2)(e), this annex should be completed if the applicant intends on giving or receiving a migratory bird, egg, or nest under the assigned Scientific Permit. Please indicate the person to whom the permit holder intends to give or receive a bird, egg, or nest. Note that the person receiving and exchange must have a valid Scientific Permit that authorizes possession of live or dead birds and their parts and their MBR permit number must be included. Indicate the organization they belong to, if they do not belong to an organization, indicate N/A. If there is no permit number, provide a method by which the person can be contacted. Provide common and scientific names of the species and write “SAR” if it is a species at risk. Indicate if the person is giving a bird to you or receiving a bird from you.

Annex 5: Additional project and activity information

Please fill out an additional Annex 5 for each additional project that you intend to work on under the same Scientific Permit. For instance, if you are requesting to apply for one Scientific Permit for three different projects, you must fill out two Annex 5s in addition to Part 2. Please refer to Part 2’s instructions when completing Annex 5.

Annex 6: Permitting sections contact information, Canadian Wildlife Service offices (by region)

Tables

Table 1. Capture, sampling and additional authorizations

This list provides authorizations for banding, capture methods biological sample collection and veterinary procedures. Any new authorization must be justified in the project’s methods and the species must be specified. Requests for new authorizations may require a Report on Applicant Qualifications, or a separate letter attesting to the applicant’s training and competency. Reactivation of authorizations may not require additional documents.

An asterisk (*) indicates authorizations that require a separate letter from the permittee’s trainer attesting to their training and competency at using the method safely, and a detailed protocol on its use.

A dagger (†) indicates authorizations that require a veterinarian on site, or a separate letter from a veterinarian attesting to the applicant’s training and competency at using the method safely, and a detailed protocol on its use.

Table 2. Auxiliary markers