Mist netting is a method used in ornithology (the study of birds) to capture birds for research, banding, or monitoring purposes. Mist nets are made of fine mesh fabric that is nearly invisible to birds when deployed. The nets are erected between two poles or trees in areas where birds are known to fly or roost.

 

As birds fly into the net, they become entangled, and the researcher can then carefully extract the bird from the net to collect data or apply a leg band for identification. Mist netting is a non-lethal method that allows researchers to study various aspects of bird ecology, such as migration patterns, behavior, population demographics, and disease transmission.

 

However, mist netting should always be done by trained and experienced individuals with proper permits and protocols in place to ensure the safety of the birds and the researchers.