Transmitters

GPS Transmitters

PinPoint 75 (4g - lower) and PinPoint 150 (6.3g - upper) satellite transmitters. Along with their harness, these transmitters weigh less than 4% of a woodcock's body mass.

The transmitters we use allow us to create a custom location collection schedule, in which we choose the exact date and time locations are collected. The tags collect GPS locations and are highly accurate. After every third GPS location, data are transmitted through a satellite up-link provided by the Argos Satellite system. We then access locations via an on-line database. We are currently using PinPoint transmitters from Lotek Wireless Incorporated.

We typically program transmitters to collect locations every day or every other day during migration. Since data are transmitted after every 3rd location, this means we have updated information on the migration status of each bird every 3 to 6 days.

Harnesses

We attached transmitters to woodcock using a rump-mounted harness design. The transmitter has two leg-loops that are situated between the inner thigh and body of the bird (i.e. groin). Transmitters sit on the center of body mass, enabling the bird to walk and fly without being encumbered. We expect the harness to stay on the bird for approximately 1 year, but the elastic harness material may biodegrade earlier and fall off of the woodcock.

GPS transmitter with rump-mounted harness prior to being deploy on a woodcock.

Transmitters are situated on the center of body mass, enabling birds to walk and fly unencumbered.