Satellite Telemetry

What is satellite telemetry?
Satellite telemetry is the tracking of transmitters that emit a radio signal that is monitored by receivers mounted on orbiting satellites.   Satellite telemetry has revolutionized the study of bird migration because it allows the monitoring of animal movements and distributions throughout the world. 

How are satellite transmitters attached to waterfowl?

Satellite transmitters can be attached several different ways.  For waterfowl, the most common attachment method mounts the transmitter on the back of the bird using a backpack-style harness.  The harness is constructed of Teflon ribbon, which is pliable but very durable.  The transmitter is positioned on the back of the bird between the wings.  The harness has an expected life-span of 2-3 years, after which it will deteriorate and fall off the bird.   

How does a satellite transmitter work?

Standard models contain a satellite transmitter which is controlled by a small micro-processor.  These units are programmed when to transmit, and the location of the transmitter is estimated as an orbiting satellite passes overhead and it hears the signal from the transmitter.  The satellites are
operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization (NOAA) and are the same satellites used to monitor global weather patterns.  Small receivers, owned by a French company called ARGOS CLS, are mounted on these satellites.  These receivers are designed to listen for the signals and record data from the satellite transmitters.  Once the data is collected by the receivers, it is downloaded to a receiving station on earth.  The data is then emailed directly to a researcher’s computer.  Once we release a bird with a satellite transmitter, we can sit back and monitor their movements right from the LRWC office computer!

What is a GPS satellite transmitter?

Location estimates from satellite transmitters are sufficient to identify the timing and distribution of migrations; however, these estimates generally do not have the precision required to provide insight on localized habitat use.   Recent technological advances have produced satellite transmitters that also contain small GPS receivers, similar to those in your hand-held GPS unit or your car.  The addition of GPS location capabilities to satellite transmitters has significantly improved the precision of the location estimates.   Now we can identify the location of a bird within 15 meters.  This technology can potentially provide detailed evaluations of how waterfowl use specific habitats throughout their range and annual cycle. 

How much does a satellite transmitter weigh?
Satellite transmitters come in a variety of models and different weights.  Transmitters used on ducks generally weigh between 18–30 grams, and units for geese weigh 45 grams.  Given that the average male mallard weighs 1,200 grams, that is <3% of the birds weight.

Captive ducks test out the latest transmitter models.

 
     Check out our research projects with satellite telemetry:

                                    Mallard satellite telemetry

                                             American black ducks

                                                      Greenland white-fronted geese

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