FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you are looking for information regarding mist nets, we have a section dedicated here. If you are looking for information regarding auxiliary markers (color bands), click here.

Why buy from Avinet Research Supplies?

  • Help Support Research: Proceeds support research grants for students, nonprofessional and professional Latin American ornithologists through Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO). This includes grants such as the Bergstrom, A.F. Skutch, and the Neotropical Sponsorship that supports researchers in Latin America doing important ecological projects.
  • Buy Ethically and Responsibly: Our ethical mission at Avinet Research Supplies is to serve those who participate in research and conservation efforts. We are strict in enforcing that permits accompany the purchase of sensitive equipment such as mist nets, tissue sampling supplies, and auxiliary markers. We do not sell to those using nets for pest control, bird mitigation, or exotic pet trade under any circumstances. 

How do I return or exchange items?

Please see our Return & Exchange Policy.

How do I request a quote?

Please see our Request a Quote page for instructions. 

I am from a tax-exempt institution. How do I ensure my order is not taxed?

Unless we are shipping an order within the state of Maine, your order will be automatically tax-exempt. All other states, no tax will be charged regardless of your tax-exemption status.

Where can I learn about bird banding and conservation?

Start here: Bird Banding Laboratory. If you're interested in learning to band birds, The Institute for Bird Populations offers training classes, visit their website to learn more, click here. Most banding stations rely on volunteers, so take a look at the Ornithology Exchange site to look at volunteer or internship opportunities: http://ornithologyexchange.org/jobs/board/.

What kind of permit do I need to purchase mist nets, auxiliary markers, or sampling supplies?

Please see our Permit Information page.

Where can I look up band sizes for particular species?

Consult the Bird Banding Lab's handy list: Species Table and Recommended Band Sizes.

How should I decontaminate a mist net to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats?

As white-nose syndrome spreads rapidly across the US, it is very important for all bat researchers to use proper decontamination procedures to help prevent the spread of the deadly fungus. Mist nets in particular need to have special care taken in the decontamination procedure to make sure they are properly treated.  www.whitenosesyndrome.org as instructed by USFWS recommends submerging mist nets in hot water (≥131°F or 55°C) for 20 minutes taking great care to not let the water boil. Boiling a mist net is the best way to ruin it. Please visit https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ and download the full PDF document.

How should one dispose of a "retired" mist net?

When your mist nets get old and beyond repair, it's time to lay them to rest. The most responsible way to do this is burning them. It is smelly and can emit small amounts of fumes, but it beats having them end up in a landfill or body of water. It the safest way to ensure that the net does not harm wildlife once discarded.

Do you offer discounts?

We do not offer discounts on our products. Proceeds from our sales support AFO in their mission and granting programs. Beginning in January 2020 Avinet Research Supplies (ARS) will no longer offer discounts. As a non-profit endeavor, ARS is meant as a service to research communities that we serve and this is reflected in our pricing and customer service. If you would like to support making high-quality research equipment available to researchers across the world please consider joining AFO (see below), or continue to support AFO by purchasing our equipment.

How do I become a member of Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO)?

Please visit AFO's membership signup site here to learn more about signing up for a membership.