Scientists are starting to use satellite transmitters to learn more about the winter migration patterns of loons. (photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
A new program is using satellite transmitters to learn more about the migration patterns of loons. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Karen Kelly reports:
Transcript
A new program is using satellite transmitters to learn more about the migration patterns of loons.
The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Karen Kelly reports:
Loons are well-known for returning to the same lakes each summer – year after year. But until
recently, scientists didn’t know much about the bird’s winter migration. That’s changing, as loons
from New York state make their way south, carrying satellite transmitters.
Nina Schoch is Coordinator of the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program. It’s a joint venture
between private groups and government agencies. She says the information gathered will help
researchers understand and protect loon habitat across the country.
“In the winter, it’s unknown if they’re using the same spot each year or if they move around. So
we want to identify those locations, and once we know that, we’ll have a much better
understanding of things that impact loon populations on their wintering areas.”
Things such as acid rain, oil spills or a recent botulism outbreak in the Great Lakes.
Schock says once they know how these birds spend the winter, they’ll be able to develop plans
that help the loon population survive.
For the Great Lakes Radio Consortium, I’m Karen Kelly.