Conservation investments are only effective when implemented in the right place and time, and for the right purpose.
Thanks to a grant from ConocoPhillips in support of the Migratory Connectivity Project, we will use advanced technologies to understand the migratory connectivity of bird species of conservation concern for the purpose of determining effective management actions for these species.
Our first expedition for this project will be at the end of October, 2014 to North Padre Island, Texas; a major stop-over and winter destination for many migratory shorebird species. We will deploy two types of the latest tracking technologies including 3.4 gram (less than the weight of 2 US dimes) satellite and 9.5 gram (about the weight of 2 US nickels) solar-charged satellite transmitters on 5 species of migratory shorebirds including Long-billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, Red Knots, and Black-bellied Plovers.
With the information we collect, we can begin to tell the complete story of a year in the life of these species, including where they spend the winter, stop to refuel during migration, and most importantly, where they breed.
Stay tuned for pictures, videos, updates about our exciting expedition to the Texas coast, and of course regular updates on their movement tracks.
