Summary 

1. Classic standard mist-netting limits sampling to understory birds flying <3 m above ground-level. Methodological innovations targeting higher strata birds (and bats) are important for ecological studies, particularly in tropical forests.
2. I present and evaluate a method of applying elevated mist-net frames (EMF) up to ~25-30 m. I designed detachable mobile alloy frames for standard-sized 3×6 m mist-nets, weighing ~11 kg including fittings, and suspended by 3-point cable-wire mounting. State-of-the-art archery and fishing gear are employed for securing anchor-lines, with hoisting applied by pulley, ropes and guys.
3. EMF is assembled and detached by 2-3 team members within 15-20 minutes, and up-down hoisting lasts 1-3 minutes. EMF excludes tree-climbing and arboreal platforms, through versatile manoeuvring in lightly-cluttered naturally open corridors. EMF costs are source and quantity dependent, and feasible to institutions and grant beneficiaries.
4. EMF is a workable alternative or supplement to existing elevated mist-netting applying poles, ropes and pulleys, owing to strength and durability, replicable construction, and versatile manoeuvrability in upper strata. The EMF-design demonstrates favourable prospects for high-tech development, thus further innovations are recommended.

Appendix S1. Detailed step-by-step DIY manual for elevated mist-net frame (EMF) production and field operation.

Appendix S2: Comparison of cost-benefits, operational efficiency and versatility of the elevated mist-net frame (EMF) with other elevated mist-net.

Appendix S3: Summary of total captures, mean height of net-placement and capture, and capture rate during 6,933 net-meter-hours (n-m-h) application of elevated mist-net frames (EMF) in the Ankasa Resource Reserve, south-west Ghana from 25-31 January and 25 June - 1 July, 2018. Nets were placed above a forest road, as well as in a grid of transects, all in lightly cluttered forest-canopy of up to 25-30 m; total canopy height of the forest sections we worked, in during 2018, was > 40m.

Appendix S4: Video demonstration footage of elevated mist-net frame (EMF) operation (5.39 minutes), shot with a Sony DSC RX100 M3 camcorder, showing the structure and operation of the EMF-device applied in canopy height of up to 25-30 m above a narrow forest road in the Ankasa Resource Reserve, south-west Ghana, 25-31 December 2018.

S1: Word doc file; the data is a text describing in detail the practical tool device production method and applications in the field. Referred to as Appendix S1 under 'Data Availability Statement' in the paper.

S2: Word doc file; table of variables compared for EMF contra other elevated mist-net systems. Referred to as Appendix S2 under 'Data Availability Statement' in the paper.

S3: Word doc file; table presenting a total of 47 captures distributed on 17 species of forest birds captured, for which average net and capture height, as well as capture rates (per nmh), are listed for each species. Referred to as Appendix S3 under 'Data Availability Statement' in the paper.

S4: MP4 file (639 MB). Video footage. Referred to as Appendix S4 in 'Data Availability Statement' in the paper. Also accessible for free (URL:https://youtu.be/ctYUlb9P-6I).