136
454
'THS

 

This is to certify that the

thesis entitled
Evaluating Satellite and Conventional VHF Telemetry to

Document Molt Migration of Giant Canada Geese (Branta

canadensis maxima) From Southeastern Michigan

 

presented by
Richard Curt Mykut

has been accepted towards fulfillment
of the requirements for

M.S. Fish. & Wildl.

 

 

degree in

\

Major professor

Date W

0-7639 MS U is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

 

 

 

.UBRARY
Michigan State
University

 

 

 

PLACE IN RETURN BOX to remove this checkout from your record.
TO AVOID FINES return on or before date due.
MAY BE RECALLED with earlier due date if requested.

 

DATE DUE DATE DUE DATE DUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6/01 c:/CIRCJDateDue.p65-p.15

EVALUATING SATELLITE AND CONVENTIONAL VHF TELEMETRY TO
DOCUMENT MOLT MIGRATION OF GIANT CANADA GEESE (Branta canadensis
maxima) FROM SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
By

Richard Curt Mykut

A THESIS
Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

2002

ABSTRACT
EVALUATING SATELLITE AND CONVENTIONAL VHF TELEMETRY TO
DOCUMENT MOLT MIGRATION OF GIANT CANADA GEESE (Branta canadensis
maxima) FROM SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
By

Richard Curt Mykut

Locations of molting areas and timing of movements of molt migrant giant
Canada geese have not been described completely due to the lack of an unbiased
technique of study. The utility of using satellite and conventional VHF telemetry was
evaluated to identify molting locations and document the chronology of molt migration of
unsuccessful breeding geese in southeastern Michigan.

Satellite and VHF transmitters provided similar information with regards to
departure times, molt sites and return times of molt migrants with birds departing during
late May-early June, showing an affinity during the molting period for habitat along the
eastern and western coasts of James Bay, the eastern coast of Hudson Bay and the
Belcher Islands, and returned to Michigan between September and October.

Satellite transmitters removed temporal and geographic bias and provided
reference points for VHF searches while VHF transmitters provided a means of refining

PTT location estimates.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Funding for this project was provided by the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources. Aerial telemetry searches conducted along James and Hudson Bay were
provided by Niagara Air Tours, St. Catherine’s, Ontario, and in Michigan by Reliant
Aviation, Grand Ledge, MI.

I am indebted to Dr. Harold H. Prince, my major professor, and Dr. David R.
Luukkonen, committee member, for giving me the opportunity and having faith in my
abilities to manage and carry out this project which they collaborated on designing. I
could not have succeeded without their guidance and words of encouragement. Thanks
also to Dr. Charles Nelson and Dr. Brian Maurer, committee members, for their review of
the final manuscript.

I would also like to thank Jeff Cowdrey, Brodie Baker, Tara Van Wyck, Jae
Gorrnley and Nate Pfost for their countless hours of hard work in the field. These
individuals certainly made my job much easier.

I am gratefiil to my parents for encouraging me to pursue my goals and to Lynn
for supporting me and always giving me perspective. Finally, I would like to thank my
mentor and friend Dr. David H. Ellis. His accomplishments, sense of adventure and
encouragement have inspired me and given me focus as I pursue a career in wildlife

biology.

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES.
LIST OF FIGURES. .

INTRODUCTION.

METHODS. .
Study Area.
Telemetry Equipment
Capturing Geese.
VHF Monitoring.
Data Analysis.

RESULTS. . . .
Equipment, Trapping.
Molt Migration.

Cost Analysis.

DISCUSSION. .
Management Implications.

APPENDIX A: Departure dates and return dates and an indication of how
dates were obtained for VHF (by frequency) and PTT (by ID code)
marked geese from southeastern Michigan, 2000 and 2001. . .

APPENDIX B: Latitude and longitude (decimal degrees)of breeding and molt
sites,and distances flown to molt sites for PTT and VHF marked geese
from southeastern Michigan, 2000 and 2001 ..

LITERATURE CITED.

iv

39

42

45

LIST OF TABLES

Duty cycle of satellite transmitters used during the 2000
and 2001 field seasons. Signals were transmitted for a 6
hour period on the scheduled transmission day. The
battery use percentage is the cumulative amount of
battery power used at the end of each transmission
period. .

Accuracy of location classes assigned to PTT trans-
missions. The minimum number of messages received
during a satellite overpass are used to calculate locations
and designate the location accuracies.

Number of giant Canada geese captured on nests or via
rocket nets in southeastern Michigan and marked with
PTT’S or VHF transmitters, 2000-2001.

Costs (U .8. dollars) associated with obtaining location
information for PTT and VHF transmitters, 2000-2001.

14

28

LIST OF FIGURES

Michigan study area (shaded region enlarged
in upper left), with dots representing Canada
goose capture sites, 2000-2001.

Transmitter designs used during 2000 and 2001; a.) PTT
with antenna protruding from base of transmitter, oriented

downward and rested on bird’s breast (2000); b.) PTT with

reinforced antenna protruding from the top of the collar,

antenna oriented behind bird’s head, parallel to the back of

the bird (2001); c.) VHF transmitter with antenna
wrapped around collar (2000 and 2001).

Area searched during 2000-2001 telemetry flights of
James and Hudson Bay represented by shaded region.
Shaded region is exaggerated to emphasize search areas
Dashed lines represent degrees north latitude.

Number of PTT’S functioning during scheduled
transmission periods, 2000-2001.

Success in tracking Canada geese from southeastern
Michigan marked with PTT’S and VHF transmitters,
2000-2001.

Percentage of PTT’S and VHF transmitters providing
departure time, molt Site and return time data for molt
migrant Canada geese, 2000-2001.

Cumulative departure dates of molt migrant Canada geese
from southeastern Michigan marked with PTT’s and VHF
transmitters, 2000—2001. . . .

Probable molt site locations of molt migrant Canada geese
from southeastern Michigan marked with PTT and VHF
transmitters, 2000-2001. Dashed lines represent degrees
North latitude. .

Vi

ll

16

l8

I9

21

22

LIST OF FIGURES, cont’d.

Cumulative return dates of molt migrant Canada geese

from southeastern Michigan marked with PTT’s and VHF
transmitters, 2000-2001. PTT data from 2000 was not

included in the analysis of return times (see results). . 26

Vii

INTRODUCTION

Post-breeding migration of waterfowl in the northern Hemisphere was first
described by Ekman (1922) as reported by Hohman et al. (1992). Movements from
breeding areas to sites where individuals molt wing feathers occurs between nesting and
fall migration and has been termed “molt migration” (Salmonsen 1968). Molt migrations
of Canada geese are well documented in North America (Kuyt 1966, Zicus 1981, Davis
et al. 1985, and Abraham et al. 1999) and individuals making these northward
movements consist primarily of subadults, non-breeding adults and failed breeders
(Hanson 1965, Sterling and Ddzubin 1967 and Lawrence et al. 1998). These flights range
from short, <150 km localized movements (Dimmick 1968), to > 3,000 km (Krohn and
Bizeau 1979). Although molt migration has been well documented, locations of molting
areas and timing of movements have not been described completely for the lack of an
unbiased technique of study. For example, current data describing molt migration has
been collected from band and neck collar studies, which are inherently biased temporally
and geographically when used to describe avian movements over broad spatial scales in
remote settings. Using satellite transmitters (Platform Transmitting Terminals or PTT’s)
and conventional VHF radio transmitters may provide a less biased means of
documenting these movements.

Conventional radio telemetry has been used to study numerous species of
waterfowl for over thirty years including Canada geese, wood ducks (Aix sponsa),
mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria), and snow geese (Chen

caerulescens) (Cochran et al. 1963, Ball 1971, Greenwood and Sargeant 1973, Perry

1981, and Hughes et al. 1994). Until recently, PTT’S were only available to study large
reptilian, mammalian and avian species, such as loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta),
polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and lesser spotted eagles (Aquila pomarina), due to their
encumbering sizes and weights (Stonebumer 1982, Messier et al. 1992 and Meyburg et
al. 1994). Although traditionally VHF transmitters were used exclusively in telemetry
studies of waterfowl, advancements within the past ten years reduced the size and weight
of PTT’S and made it possible to track movements of smaller avian species including
spectacled eiders (Somaterisfischeri), lesser white-fronted geese (Anser erythropus),
greater snow geese (Chen caerulescens atlantica), peregrine falcons (F alco peregrinus)
and Canada geese (Petersen et al. 1995, Lorentsen et al. 1998, Blouin et al. 1999, Britten
et al. 1999, Malecki et al. 2001).

Although both PTT’S and VHF transmitters can provide useful location
information, few studies have utilized a combination of satellite and VHF transmitters to
track animal movements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of satellite
and VHF transmitters to identify molting locations and document the chronology of molt

migration of unsuccessfiil breeding geese in southeastern Michigan.

METHODS

Study Area

Study Sites were distributed over 11 counties in southeastern Michigan that
included major metropolitan areas of Detroit, Pontiac, Ann Arbor and Lansing, and
adjoining agricultural lands (Figure 1). Thirteen and 15 study sites were selected during
2000 and 2001, respectively, to provide a spatial distribution of samples that is
representative of Canada goose distribution in southeastern Michigan. At each study site,
an incubating female was trapped and marked with a PTT. An effort was then made to
capture at least 2 more incubating females within 5 km of the PTT marked bird and mark

these birds with VHF transmitters in order to compare the two marking techniques.

Telemetry Equipment

PTT and VHF radio transmitters were manufactured by Telonics, Inc. (Mesa, AZ)
and were attached to green neck collars provided by the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources (MDNR). Each collar had a unique four digit alphanumeric code (Figure 2).
Neck collars were made from Romark® (Spinner Plastics, Springfield, IL) plastic tubes
(7.0 cm — 7.6 cm wide, 5.0 cm diameter, and 0.2 cm thick with a 2.5 cm overlap of the
tube ends). Reward labels were affixed to each transmitter, offering $100 US, to
increase the probability of return if found. VHF units were designed to have the antenna
attached directly to the collar. It was necessary to have an external antenna protruding
from the PTT’s, otherwise Signal strength would have been compromised. Since geese

damaged some PTT’s the first year (see results), the antenna was redesigned for the 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Figure 1. Michigan study area (shaded region enlarged in upper- left), with dots
representing Canada goose capture sites, 2000-2001.

 

Figure 2. Transmitter designs used during 2000 and 2001: a.) PTT with antenna
protruding from base, oriented downward and rested on bird’s breast (2000); b.) PTT
with reinforced antenna protruding from top of collar, antenna oriented behind bird’s
head, parallel to the back of the bird; c.) VHF transmitter with antenna wrapped around
collar (2000 and 2001).

field season to reduce PTT failure due to antenna damage from preening. Satellite
transmitters had a specified battery life of 360 hours that were distributed over four
separate monitoring periods (Table 1). The duty cycle was designed to maximize battery
life for approximately 11 months over the 4 periods. The duty cycle was altered to begin
16 days earlier during year 2 to ensure that the 4-day cycle would begin prior to peak
departure times of molt migrants based on first year results.

Satellite location estimates were received from the Argos System (Service Argos
1996). ARGOS instruments are flown on board National and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES). Satellites
receive ARGOS messages from PTT’S and relay them to the ground in real-time.
ARGOS estimates transmitter locations by measuring the Doppler shift of the PTT
signals and provides two location estimates for each satellite pass. ARGOS designates the
location with the better signal continuity as the best location (location 1), and the
alternate location is designated as the image (location 2). Location classes were assigned
by ARGOS based on the estimated accuracy and the number of transmissions received
from a PTT during a selected overpass (Table 2). When data are received, location 1 or 2
is chosen from each individual PTT message by removing the biologically implausible
location from the pair as described by Britten et al. (1999) and Malecki et al. (2001),
entered into a spreadsheet and projected onto a map using ArcView® 3.2 GIS software.

VHF transmitters had a specified battery life of 14 months and transmitted a
continuous Signal. A mortality sensor was activated following 4 hours of motionless.
VHF units had effective ground and aerial ranges of 3 and 16 km, respectively, based on

field testing before and after deployment. Ground searches for birds were made using

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truck mounted whip antennas and 3-element yagi antennas. Aerial searches were
conducted with directional “H antennas” mounted to the wing struts of the plane. A
Cessna 172 and a Cessna 206 were used to search for VHF marked birds from the air at

altitudes ranging from 833 — 1170 meters.

Capturing Geese

Although incubating female Canada geese were the primary focus for capture by
nest trapping, rocket nets were also used in attempt to make use of additional VHF
transmitters that were not deployed during the nesting season. Rocket netting was used on
flocks of geese that were presumed to be engaging in pre-molt migration behavior. Active
nests were located during April and May of 2000 and 2001. Capture on nests was
accomplished at night 73% and 87% of the time during 2000 and 2001, respectively,
while the remainder of the birds were captured during the day. “Night-lighting”, similar
to the method described by Dennis (1966), was accomplished by one individual carrying
a landing net (hoop size of 81.28 cm x 96.52 cm x 91.44 cm deep with a 121.92 cm
handle) following closely behind a person shining a l x 66 candle power q-beam®
spotlight directly onto an incubating female. Once the team approached within 1 — 2 m of
the nest, the landing net was quickly draped over the bird. Landing nets were also used
for capturing birds during the day that would remain on the nest long enough for capture.
Upon capture, the bird was quickly secured to prevent wing injuries and damage to eggs
in the nest.

Rocket net sites were chosen by looking for areas frequently used by 10-15 geese

in mid to late May. Sites used by larger flocks were avoided. Birds were attracted to

specific areas by baiting with whole corn (Zea mays) 2-3 days prior to launching rocket
nets.

Geese were fitted with either a PTT or a VHF transmitter upon capture and an
aluminum United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) leg band. Geese were then
sexed by cloacal examination and examined for a brood patch, and weight, skull length,
and culmen length measurements were taken (Hanson 1965 and Dzubin and Cooch
1992)

To maximize the chance for molt migration, all nests of captured incubating
females were destroyed. Upon capture and processing of an incubating hen, one egg was
removed from the nest and aged by examining the developmental stage of the embryo.
Embryos were killed by decapitation as recommended by the Michigan State University
(MSU) committee on animal use. The entire clutch was removed if the age was
determined to be greater than 14 days. If an embryo was less than fourteen days of age,
the remainder of the clutch was left in the nest and eggs were removed at a later date to
discourage renesting. Each nest Site location was documented after all trapping had taken
place using a TrimbelTM TSCITM data collector and GPS Pathfinder ® Pro XRS receiver

that provided accuracy to < 1m.

VHF Monitoring

VHF radio tracking from the ground commenced in early May during both years
and the level of search effort to document departures and returns was similar to the
monitoring schedule for satellite transmitters. Each frequency was searched for on the
study area every 5 days through August 2000 and at least every 6 days from September
through November 2000 and at least once every 10 days through March 2001. Search
effort was increased in year 2 and each frequency was searched for every 3-4 days
through mid-June (peak departure period of molt migrants based on first year
observations), once per week through August, every 3-4 days during September and
October (peak return period of molt migrants to Michigan based on first year
observations) and once per week from November through March.

Ground searches for molt migrants during departure and return periods were
conducted within an 8-km radius of individual capture Sites. Aerial searches were
conducted during peak molt migrant departure and return periods to supplement ground
searches. Although aerial searches were designed to cover the entire study area based on
effective detection ranges of VHF transmitters, access was often denied to air Space over
Detroit, requiring an increased search effort from the ground. An aerial search was
conducted in late July, 2000 and 2001, along the eastern and western coasts of James
Bay, the eastern coast of Hudson Bay and the Belcher Islands, to search for VHF marked
birds that had presumably departed Michigan and made molt migrant flights north
(Figure 3). Search effort was concentrated in areas where PTT marked molt migrants
were located. A Garmin® panel mounted aviation GPS unit was used to determine the

latitudes and longitudes of VHF marked birds detected on northern molting grounds.

10

 

    
  

James Ba y

0 150 300 450 600 Kilometers
E

-———\

Figure 3. Area searched during 2000-2001 telemetry flights of James and Hudson Bay
represented by shaded region. Shaded region is exaggerated to emphasize areas searched.
Dashed lines represent degrees north latitude.

Data Analysis

Departure dates for PTT marked molt migrant geese were estimated by taking the
midpoint of the last date a location estimate indicated the bird was on the Michigan study
area (42.00 — 43.00 degrees north latitude) and the first date a location estimate indicated
the bird was at a latitude > 43.00 degrees north latitude. PTT’S with > 12-day intervals
between signals were not used to estimate a departure date. Departure dates for VHF
marked molt migrants were estimated using the midpoint of the last date a signal was
detected on a respective capture site within the Michigan study area and the first date a
signal was not detected. An assumption was made that the probability of detection was
100% for VHF marked birds remaining on the study area.

Probable molt sites for PTT marked geese were determined by choosing the
grouping of location estimates that were similar from mid-July through mid-August,
corresponding to the period when geese are utilizing molting areas, and then selecting the
location estimate within the group that had the best Argos assigned accuracy rating.
Locations where VHF marked birds were detected on the northern aerial searches were
designated as their probable molt sites. VHF marked birds that were not detected were
included in the analysis of departure dates and were assumed to have gone undetected
due to the large search area along James and Hudson Bay. Molt migration distances were
calculated by measuring the distance from the GPS coordinate of a nest site to the
location designated as the probable molt Site using ArcView® 3.2 GIS software.

Return dates for PTT marked molt migrants were calculated by taking the
midpoint of the last date a location estimate indicated the bird was at a latitude > 43.00

north latitude and the first date a location estimate indicated the bird was on the Michigan

12

study area (43.00 — 42.00 degrees north latitude). PTT’S used during 2000 did not provide
accurate estimates of return times, therefore any information gathered was expressed as
the latest possible return date. Return dates for VHF marked molt migrants were
estimated using the midpoint of the first date a signal was detected on a respective
capture site within the Michigan study area and the last date a signal was not detected.
Although direct hunter returns of harvested VHF marked birds provided information
about return dates these birds were removed from all transmitter comparison analyses
because their probability of detection was reduced.

All statistical analyses were performed with JMP®4 statistical software (SAS®
Institute Inc.).

Cost estimates for PTT’S and VHF transmitters were based on molt

migration data that was collected from May through mid-November corresponding to the
migration and molting period of molt migrant geese. All results are presented in US.

dollars.

l3

RESULTS

Equipment, Trapping

F arty-eight geese were marked with either PTT or VHF transmitters
during the 2000 breeding season (Table 3). An additional 53 geese were captured and
marked during 2001. PTT and VHF transmitters weighed an average of 69.6 g (n = 15,
SD 0.7) and 82.8 g (n = 33, SD 0.7), respectively in 2000 and 73.2 g (n = 17, SD 0.8) and
82.3 g (n = 35, SD 0.9) in 2001. PTT and VHF transmitters represented < 3 % of goose
body mass for all geese marked in 2000 and 2001. The only death both years immediately
following marking was a rocket-netted female found dead near the trap Site two days

following capture in 2000.

Table 3. Number of giant Canada geese captured on nests or via rocket nets in southeastern Michigan and
marked with PTT’s or VHF transmitters, 2000-2001.

 

 

2000 2001
PTT VHF PTT VHF
Nest trapped
females 1 5 23 l 7 34
Rocket net 0 10' 0 2b
Total 15 33 17 36

 

‘ - sample includes 8 sub-adult females and 2 sub-adult male geese.
b — sample includes 1 female with brood patch and 1 male (possible
mate)

PTT malfunctions were detected soon after deployment during the 2000 field

season. Two transmitters failed to transmit signals until about 1 month after deployment

14

while 4 PTT’S failed two months into the study (Figure 4). The number of PTT’s
functioning declined through September and by late-October all of the PTT’s had stopped
transmitting signals. Although 3 PTT’S stopped transmitting Signals by October during
2001, overall transmitter longevity improved. On average, PTT’S were operational for
48% (n = 12, sd = 20%) and 78% (n = 13, sd = 14%) of their expected battery life during
2000 and 2001, respectively. PTT’S were observed missing antennas during both years
(2000, n = 4, and 2001, n = 4). PTT failure was defined as the date a transmitter began to
yield only Z location classes, or provided no messages, or a combination of the two.

We received fewer transmissions (Z locations were excluded because they
provided no location information)(ANOVA P < 0.0001) from PTT’S in 2000 (n = 12, R =
37.3, SE = 13.7) compared with 2001 (n = 13, >‘< = 129.2, SE = 13.18). The percentage for
location class ratings for geese banded in 2000 (n = 905 locations) was LC = 3 (0.3%),2
(0.6%), 1 (2.1%), 0 (17.1%), A (10.2%), B (19.1%) and Z (50.6%). Redesign of the
antennas by changing the orientation from protruding downward from the base of the
radio and resting on the bird’s breast (2000) to an orientation of 180 degrees from the
radio parallel to the bird’s back (Figure 2) (2001) to reduce tampering by individuals
resulted in a significant improvement (def=6 = 65.9, p = < 0.0001) in the percentage for
location class ratings to LC = 3 (0.5%),2 (0.7%), 1 (2.3%), 0 (24.7%), A (14.8%), B
(21.0%) and Z (39.7%)(n = 2624 locations). There was no significant difference between
years upon removing Z locations (dees = 6.6, p = 0.2508) and performing a new Chi-
square test, indicating that the improved performance during 2001 was attributed to fewer
Z readings. Three PTT’S from 2000 were not included in the analysis of PTT

performance because they were malfunctioning and removed from the bird prior to the

15

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expiration of the expected battery life of the transmitters and 4 PTT’S that were attached
to birds that were harvested by hunters were not included from 2001.

All VHF marked birds were located within 3 km of their respective capture
locations through mid-May and contact was lost as molt migration began during both
years (Figure 5). Non-molt migrant females remained and molted on breeding territories
through mid-August and were routinely found on each search during 2000 and 2001.
Non-molt migrants were located with variable success through the end of August during
2000 in comparison to 2001 as detection rates for non-molt migrants improved. Molt
migrants returning to Michigan were also located with variable success during 2000.
Conversely, detection of molt migrants returning to Michigan improved during 2001.
Seventy-three and 62% of molt migrants were located in July 2000 and 2001,
respectively, during telemetry flights of James and Hudson Bay. There was no evidence
of any Significant VHF malfunction both years.

The quality of data obtained from VHF transmitters and PTT’S describing molt
migration varied within and between years (Figure 6). Although a higher percentage of
the PTT’S deployed on molt migrants provided information on probable molt sites during
2000, data collected from VHF transmitters yielded more samples for molt sites and
migration timing. During 2001 there was a Significant improvement in PTT function and
we were able to obtain migration timing and probable molt site data for all transmitters.
Although VHF transmitters produced similar results during both years, there was a

significant improvement for return data collected during 2001.

17

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Figure 5. Success in tracking Canada geese from southeastern Michigan marked with
PTT and VHF transmitters, 2000-2001.

18

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Figure 6. Percentage of P'I‘T’s and VHF transmitters providing departure time, molt site
and return time data for molt migrants from southeastern Michigan, 2000-2001.

19

Molt Migration

Among females that lost nests, there was no significant difference in the
percentage that made long distance movements during 2000, 62.2% (n = 37), and 2001,
73.1% (n = 52), (xde = 1.19, p = 0.2745). All 9 sub-adults marked with VHF
transmitters in 2000 molt migrated and 1 adult male marked with a VHF transmitter in
2001 (presumably the mate of the rocket netted female observed with a brood patch) molt
migrated. Departure dates of PTT (n = 6) and VHF (n = 21) marked geese in 2000 were
similar, with 80% of birds marked with either a PTT or VHF transmitter departing by
May 29 (Figure 7). Peak departure dates for PTT and VHF marked birds in 2000 were
May 25 and May 27, respectively. PTT (n = 13) and VHF (n = 26) marked geese
departed about one week later during 2001, with 80% of the birds marked with either
transmitter type departing by June 6. Peak departure dates of PTT and VHF marked geese
in 2001 were June 4 and June 2, respectively. Departure dates for each PTT and VHF
marked bird are presented in Appendix A.

During 2000, 10 PTT marked geese molt migrated to locations along the east and
west coast of James Bay in northern Ontario and Quebec, the northeastern coast of
Hudson Bay in Nunavik as well as the Belcher Islands, Nunavut in the southeastern
Hudson Bay as far north as the Fox Peninsula of Baffin Island, Nunavut, representing
latitudes from 54 degrees north to 64 degrees north (Figure 8). Flight distances for PTT
marked birds to probable molt sites ranged from 1,336 km — 2,537 km. Breeding and
probable molt site locations and flight distances for each VHF and PTT marked bird are
presented in Appendix B. The 4 P'IT marked geese that did not molt migrate remained at

approximately 42 degrees north latitude during the summer flightless period. These birds

20

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21

V08]

Legend +

2000 PTT Locations. n = 10

   
   
    
 
 
    
 
 

 

2000 VHF Locations, n = 16

2001 PTT Locations, n =12

GOEIGB

2001 VHF Locations, 11 = 16

 

 

 

Hudson Bay

0 150 300 450 600 Kilometers
55

..___.———\

Figure 8. Probable molt site locations of molt migrant Canada geese from southeastern
Michigan marked with PTT’s and VHF transmitters, 2000-2001. Dashed lines represent
degrees north latitude.

22

never lefi the breeding territories where they were trapped. By mid-June 2000, 22 of the
32 VHF marked geese were not detected on their breeding territory or surrounding areas.
These missing birds were presumed to have molt migrated and subsequently searched for
in late July using location estimates from the 10 PTT marked molt migrants as reference
points. Due to a flight distance of 405 km across the Hudson Strait, a search was not
conducted on the Fox Peninsula of Baffin Island. A total of 16 of the missing 22 (73%)
VHF marked geese were located in similar locations to the PTT marked geese from
latitudes of 53 degrees north to 60 degrees north (Figure 8). Flight distances to probable
molt sites of VHF marked geese were similar to those of PTT marked geese, ranging
from 1,287 km - 2,099 km. VHF marked geese that did not molt migrate (n = 10)
remained at 42 degrees north latitude during the summer flightless period and these birds
never left the breeding territories where they were trapped.

Thirteen of the 17 PTT marked geese molt migrated to locations along the east
and west coast of James and Hudson Bay and the Belcher Islands representing latitudes
from 51 degrees north to 61 degrees north in 2001 (Figure 8). Flight distances for PTT
marked birds to probable molt sites ranged from 979 km — 2,144 km. One PTT marked
bird that molt migrated was shot near Moosonee, Ontario in early June and probably did
not reach its final molting destination. By mid-June 2001, 26 of the 36 VHF marked
geese were not detected on their breeding ten'itories or surrounding areas. These missing
birds were presumed to have molt migrated and subsequently searched for in late July
using the 12 PTT marked molt migrants as reference points. A total of 16 of the missing
26 (62%) VHF marked geese were located in similar locations to the PTT marked geese

from latitudes of 53 degrees north to 62 degrees north. Flight distances to probable molt

23

sites of VHF marked geese were similar to those of PTT marked geese, ranging from
1,233 km — 2,230 km. VHF marked geese that did not molt migrate (n = 10) remained at
42 degrees north latitude during the summer flightless period and never left the breeding
territories.

One female marked with a PTT presumably died on the northern molting grounds
during 2000, which was based on 2 messages received in late January, indicating that the
bird had never left its molting site. Mortality signals were detected for 3 VHF marked
geese on molting areas during our aerial search of James and Hudson Bay during 2000. A
mortality signal was detected for 1 VHF marked goose on the molting areas during 2001.
Direct hunter returns indicated that 2 PTT marked molt migrant geese were harvested
near northern molting areas during 2001 (One during the migration north and 1 during the
return migration south). Location estimates for the remaining PTT marked birds indicated
that all survived to attempt flights south from the molting areas, during 2001.

PTT location estimates for 3 marked birds during 2000 indicated that molt
migrants return to Michigan no later than the period between September 16 and 26
September. An estimate of the actual return time was not calculated because the time
elapsed between location estimates was too large. Although location estimates from a
fourth PTT showed a southern movement from Baffin Island (64 degrees north latitude)
to 50 degrees north latitude by September 20, the PTT stopped transmitting at this point
and we were unable to track subsequent movements. This bird was observed later on a
breeding territory in early March indicating it had survived the return flight to Michigan.
During 2000, VHF marked birds (n = 9) began to be detected on the southern Michigan

study area as early as August 31 and detecting continued through November 10, with

24

80% returning by September 21 (Figure 9). Direct hunter returns on September 20,
September 21 and October 23 for 3 VHF marked birds provided additional return data,
but were not included Figure 9.

PTT location estimates for 10 marked birds in 2001 indicated that molt migrants
return to southern Michigan between September 8 and October 30 with 80% returning by
September 18. One additional PTT marked bird migrated south, but remained ~ 570 km
to the north east of study area through November. We were unable to track subsequent
movements since the PTT ceased to transmit in early December. VHF marked birds (11 =
19) began to be detected on the southern Michigan study area between September 5 and
November 14, with 80% returning by September25, one week later than P'I'I‘ marked
birds . Direct hunter returns on September 3, September 6 and October 6 for 3 VHF
marked birds provided additional return data. Return dates for PTT and VHF marked
geese are presented in Appendix A.

Molt migrants returned to areas within close proximity (within 16 km) to their
breeding territories by mid-November 85% and 88% of the time during 2000 (n = 13) and
2001 (n = 32), respectively. These numbers are based on individuals known to have

survived through the following nesting season of each year.

Cost Analysis of Transmitters

The average cost, includes purchasing plus monitoring, to operate PTT’s during
both years was 1.4 times greater than the cost of operating VHF transmitters. During
2000 the average cost to operate each PTT (n = 15) was $1,920 compared to $1,397 for

VHF units (11 = 32). During 2001 the cost to operate each PTT (n = 17) was $1,946

25

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26

compared to $1,389 for VHF units (11 = 36). Costs associated with each transmitter are
presented in Table 4. Although PTT’s were more expensive to operate on a per
transmitter basis, each location acquired from PTT‘s during both years was less
expensive than locations acquired from VHF transmitters. During 2000 the cost to obtain
a PTT location (n = 550) was $53 compared to $129 for VHF units (11 = 346). During
2001 the cost to obtain a PTT location (11 = 1,287) was $26 compared to $99 for VHF

units (n = 505). Z locations were not used to determine per location costs for PTT’s.

27

Table 4. Costs associated with obtaining location information for PTT and VHF radio
transmitters during 2000 and 2001. 2000: PTT (N = 15), VHF (N = 32); 2001 PTT (N =

17‘), VHF (N = 36").

 

 

ZQQl
Cost Category PTT VHF PTT VHF
Manufacturing/ 1594.00 235.69 1594.00 235.69
Unit
ARGOS
System 5143.00 6 8051.00 °
Grad/Tech
Salary for
Radio Searches ° 15595.00 6 17100.00
Flightsc ° 14482.00 ° 16226.00
Ground Trackingd ° 4014.00 ° 5630.00
Receiver
Refurbishment e 2831.18 ° 2831.18

 

" - 3 PTT’s were refinbished at $800.00/unit
b - 5 VHF transmitters were refurbished at $145.00/unit
° - Flight costs also include meals and lodging during search of

sub-Arctic areas
d

° - Not applicable

- Total distance traveled was multiplied by $0.36/mile

28

DISCUSSION

The orientation and durability of the PTT’s antennas had major implications on
the results obtained during both years. The reconfiguration of the antenna was the most
important factor leading to the significant improvement in PTT longevity and location
class ratings during 2001. Although geese were able to remove antennas in 2001, the
orientation and reinforcement most likely prevented antenna destruction from occurring
early and did not impact molt site and return data. Although the effect of antenna
manipulation by birds on PTT location results has not been quantitatively assessed,
evidence exists documenting aggressive preening of radios by marked individuals. For
example, Perry (1981) suggested that VHF radiomarked canvasbacks may have dislodged
backpack mounted transmitters because they failed to adapt to telemetry units and Blouin
et al. (1999) documented frequent pulling of the PTT antenna by greater snow geese and
would not discount antenna breakage as a possible cause for premature termination of
PTT’s. Blouin et al. (1999) also suggest that a vertical upward antenna orientation may
improve the signal transmission versus an antenna orientation that is pointing toward the
ground or a horizontal antenna lying down on the back of the bird. In addition to antenna
breakage, the downward orientation may have also contributed to the poor results
obtained during 2000.

The cessation of PTT function at 80% of the expected battery life during 2001,
despite the improved performance, was most likely a combination of low battery output,
latitude and antenna manipulation. PTT’s began to fail in October 2001 after they had

reached 42 degrees north latitude. The probability of detection by a satellite decreases as

29

a PTT moves away from the poles (Service Argos 1996) and transmissions would be
further compromised by a low battery output (D. Crow, Telonics, Mesa, AZ, pers.
comm.) Because location results were limited beyond 80% of the expected battery life
for PTT’s used during 2001, studies considering these particular transmitters should plan
to achieve their objectives within this time frame to avoid compromising results.

Although the limited transmission distance of VHF transmitters make their
performance evaluation difficult, we had no evidence indicating that transmitters were
expiring prior to their expected battery life both years. Additionally, we had similar
success both years tracking VHF marked birds during the study period. Although the
antenna configuration of VHF units prevented damage by preening geese, the aerial
detection range may have been reduced by this design, potentially limiting our ability to
detect a higher percentage of molt migrants during aerial telemetry searches along James
and Hudson Bay and in Michigan when molt migrants were returning.

The increased detection rates of VHF marked molt migrants returning to
Michigan in 2001 may to some degree be attributed to the improved performance of the
P'I‘T’s during 2001 (Figure 5). This increased our ability to anticipate returns and return
locations of VHF marked birds based on P'IT locations. Lower detection rates during
2000 may also have been attributed to the higher proportion of sub-adult geese in the
sample. The natal origin of the sub-adults rocket netted during 2000 is unknown and
therefore our search for returning birds during 2000 may have excluded those areas
limiting our ability to detect more returning birds.

We hypothesized that Michigan giants would molt migrate to the west coast of

James Bay and the southwest coast of Hudson Bay based on recaptures of banded birds

30

and reported sightings of large molt migrant flocks in these areas (Abraham et al. 1999).
Using VHF telemetry alone would have resulted in few locations, since the extent of the
migration was greater than anticipated, which highlights the limitations of traditional
marking techniques for providing unbiased geographical distribution data.

The limitations of traditional marking techniques involving leg and neck bands
and VHF telemetry to describe migration patterns or distributions have been reported
frequently and usually are the impetus for initiating PTT studies (Malecki et al. 2001,
McCann et al. 2001, Higuchi et al. 1996, Brodeur et al. 1996, and Petersen et al. 1995).
Ely et al. (1997) suggest that due to temporal and geographic biases in recovery
probabilities, that neck band observations and band recovery information was somewhat
misleading when documenting the migration behavior of tundra swans (Cygnus
columbianus columbianus) while PTT’s were not biased by the distribution of observer or
hunter.

The data showing the temporal distribution patterns of PTT and VHF marked
birds was similar and was consistent with band and neck collar results from other molt
migration studies in the Midwest. For example, Zicus (1981) and Lawrence et al. (1998)
both reported that molt migrants depart within a two week period during late May and
early June from Wisconsin and Illinois, respectively, while return dates occurred over a
period from mid-August through mid-November. Although results were similar, PTT’s
provided less biased estimates of departure dates from Michigan and arrival times of molt
migrants on the Michigan study area during return flights in the fall once the antenna
problem was resolved. Date estimates from P'I‘T’s were less biased because locations

were consistently received every 4 days. In contrast, VHF transmitters provided an

31

approximation of a departure or return date based on the assumption that undetected birds
had departed the Michigan study area or had not yet arrived in the fall.

Departure dates of VHF marked birds may have met these assumptions based on
the high percentage of missing birds that were located on James and Hudson Bay during
July and by Zicus (1981) showing that nonproductive Canada geese in Wisconsin that did
not molt migrate were often associated with broods during the summer and F legler
(1989) reporting that brood-rearing groups in southeastern Michigan remained close to
breeding territories during this period. Therefore any bird that did not molt migrate
should have been detected during the summer flightless period.

Conversely, return data obtained from VHF marked individuals required more
assumptions. Although a large proportion of marked molt migrants in this study showed
fidelity to natal areas during return flights, PTT data and direct harvest recoveries
indicate that molt migrants do not always return directly to those territories. This suggests
that the return date recorded for some VHF marked individuals may have been later than
the actual return date to the study area and may also explain the slightly earlier return
times of PT'I‘ marked individuals compared with VHF marked individuals during 2001.

Until satellite telemetry became available for waterfowl research VHF telemetry
was the only option for projects attempting to document movement over broad spatial
scales. For example, Tacha et al. (1991) used a combination of band returns and VHF
telemetry to document the migration patterns of interior nesting Canada geese (Branta
canadensis interior) between their breeding grounds on the James and Hudson Bay to

wintering grounds in Illinois and Wisconsin. Similarly, Reed et al. (1989) were able to

32

determine fall staging areas of brant (Branta bemicla) from different breeding locations
in Alaska using VHF telemtry.

In addition to problems with detection that result in geographic and temporal
biases, large costs are incurred on projects utilizing VHF transmitters to document
movements over large spatial scales when time must be allocated to search larger areas
via fixed-wing aircraft or from the ground with vehicles. Despite the high start up costs of
satellite telemetry, the total cost (manufacturing plus tracking) to monitor each
transmitter throughout the duration of a study may not greatly exceed the costs associated
with obtaining data with VHF transmitters. Furthermore, PTT’s are more cost effective
on a per location basis. Although the start up costs for the PTT portion of this study was
higher than the VHF start up costs and the average cost of operating each PTT to
document molt migration was 1.4 times greater than the average cost of operating each
VHF transmitter, the average cost of obtaining a location for PTT’s was $39 versus $114
for VHF transmitters. These results are consistent with Ballard et al. (1998) who reported
the costzbenefit ratios of satellite telemetry versus VHF telemetry over a 3 year period in
terms of cost per location was $44 and $148 respectively, while A. Rodgers (Ontario
Min. of Nat. Resour., pers. commun.) estimated that over a 5 year period satellite
telemetry reduces project costs by 33% in comparison to VHF telemetry. Hansen et al.
(1992) reported that satellite telemetry was more cost effective than VHF telemetry and
direct observation when a large amount of data was required and when access and
visibility were limited. Although initial start up costs cannot be disregarded, especially
when projects are limited by funding, data quality must be weighted more heavily. For

example, McCann et al. 2001, suggest that although satellite telemetry provided data at a

33

high expense when documenting blue crane(Anthropoides paradisea) migration patterns
(a serious consideration for African conservation work), its use was necessary because
resighting techniques were not adding new information to their knowledge of the species’
movement patterns.

Project logistics may further limit the effectiveness of VHF telemetry (e. g.
amount of daylight, tracking in remote areas or when weather conditions begin to
deteriorate) (Ballard et al. 1998). During both years problems were encountered when
telemetry flights were denied access or rerouted over major metropolitan areas requiring
less efficient ground searches to be conducted. During 2001, following the events of
September 11, we were unable to make any telemetry flights for the duration of the
period that coincides with molt migrant returns. In addition to increased flight costs
caused by rerouting, results are compromised when access is denied into search areas.
Additionally, inclement weather conditions during 2001 and the logistical challenges of
conducting a search on Baffin Island during 2000, prevented us from conducting
complete searches of arctic and sub—Arctic habitats for VHF marked molt migrants.

Despite the benefits of using satellite telemetry, its advantages are contingent
upon location accuracy and sampling frequency (Keating et al. 1991 and Service Argos
1996). Numerous factors affect location accuracy and sampling frequency including
elevational error, study area latitude and topographic interference. The most accurate
locations occur when PTT elevations remain constant, e. g. in marine species where
uplinks occur only when the PTT is at or near the waters surface. When elevations
change frequently, as they do with avian species, poor results are expected. Sampling

frequency is affected by latitude since satellites make more passes near the poles than

34

closer to the equator. Sampling frequency is also greater for animals inhabiting open,
terrestrial habitats at high latitudes and lowest and most variable for species inhabiting
marine, mountain or canyon habitats or species exhibiting elevational or long distance
migrations (Keating et al. 1991). Studies using smaller PTT’s (from 30-50 grams) are
further limited due to battery capacity. To compensate, projects that require P'IT’s to
remain active over longer durations must sacrifice the number of signal transmissions.

This precludes the use of satellite telemetry for studies requiring multiple
locations throughout the course of a day and over a several month duration. For example,
Greenwood et al. (1997) systematically tracked striped skunks from March through July
six out of seven days and frequently at night. Small PTT’s, with low battery output would
have been an ineffective tool for obtaining locations this regularly.

Additionally, although lower battery powered PTT’s have been successful in
determining locations within 1.4 — 35 km’s of an actual location (Blouin et al. 1999 and
Britten et al. 1999) other studies have reported differences as much as 100 km from the
true location (Kjellen et al. 1997 and Pennycuick et al. 1996) suggesting that satellite
telemetry is a useful tool for tracking long-distance movements, but is limited for detailed
habitat use studies where more accurate locations are necessary such as documenting
home ranges of aplomado falcons (F alco femoralis) and habitat use by nesting ring-
necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)(Perez et al. 1996 and Clark and Bogenschutz
1999).

Ballard et al.(l998) reported that VHF locations were more accurate than satellite
PTT data when determining wolf territory size in Alaska, but the larger estimates

reported by the PTT’s may have been a result of more frequent locations, greater number

35

of locations, acquisition of PTT locations when it was impractical to obtain VHF
locations and location error associated with PTT locations. Although an analysis of the
accuracy of each transmitter type was not conducted in this study, the high detection rate
of VHF marked molt migrants in close proximity to PTT location estimates validated the
estimates provided by PTT’s.

The decision to use satellite or conventional radio telemetry will be contingent
upon study objectives. Although PTT’s provided advantages over VHF transmitters once
the antenna problem was solved (e.g. removing bias associated with temporal and
geographic distribution patterns and reducing observer effort), VHF transmitters
effectively supplemented poor PTT results during 2000 and offered a means of refining
the location estimates provided by P'I‘T’s, allowing us to pin-point molt sites and
qualitatively describe habitats used by molt migrants during both years. Studies that are
attempting to document avian migrations over large distances may find a similar

advantage to using a combination of the two marking techniques.

36

Management Implications

Accurate descriptions of the geographic and temporal distributions of molt
migrants fill an important life history void of the giant Canada goose and may play a role
in harvest management strategies as the Michigan giant Canada goose population has
increased at a rate near 14% per year since the mid-1960’s and currently exceeds
230,000 birds (D. Luukkonen, Mich. Dept. of Nat. Resour., pers. commun.). In addition
to increasing human-goose conflicts in urban and sub-urban settings in Michigan that
result from the accumulation of droppings and feathers, decreased water quality,
aggressive nature near nests and goose aircraft collisions (Smith et al. 1999), Abraham et
al. (1999) suggest that increasing populations of giant Canada geese and declining habitat
availability on northern brood-rearing areas could result in increasing levels of
competition between populations of interior and giant Canada geese. They also suggest
the presence of molt migrant giants on northern breeding areas will complicate
management of some Arctic and sub-Arctic nesting populations of Canada geese,
therefore understanding when molt migrants arrive on James and Hudson Bay will have
relevance in the timing of breeding surveys. Additionally, understanding when molt
migrant giants return to Michigan in relation to major migrations of interior geese may

have relevance in timing hunting seasons to increase mortality of giant Canada geese.

37

APPENDICES

38

Appendix A. Departure dates and return dates and an indication of how dates were obtained for VHF (by

frequency) and PTT (by ID code) marked geese, 2000 and 2001.

 

 

Frequency/PTT ID Year Departure Date Return Date Method
165.355 2000 5/23/00 9/18/00 Radio Tracking
165.515 2000 5/23/00 3 b
165.325 2000 5/24/00 11/10/00 Radio Tracking
165.385 2000 5/24/00 9/18/00 Radio Tracking
165.455 2000 5/24/00 9/18/00 Radio Tracking
165.415 2000 5/26/00 ‘ "

165.435 2000 5/27/00 ° b

165.575 2000 5/27/00 9/25/00 Radio Tracking
165.665 2000 5/27/00 9/21/00 Hunter Return
165.685 2000 5/27/00 8 b
165.775 2000 5/27/00 d Radio Tracking
165.815 2000 5/27/00 ° b
165.335 2000 5/28/00 “ Radio Tracking
165.625 2000 5/28/00 10/23/00 Hunter Return
165.585 2000 5/29/00 3 b
165.595 2000 5/29/00 ° b
165.675 2000 5/29/00 9/18/00 Radio Tracking
165.715 2000 5/29/00 ° b
165.565 2000 6/02/00 8/31/00 Radio Tracking
165.835 2000 6/03/00 9/20/00 Hunter Return
165.765 2000 6/13/00 9/16/00 Radio Tracking
165.635 2000 d ° 6

24999 2000 5/22/00 ‘ b

25000 2000 5/22/00 " b

25087 2000 5/22/00 9/20/00 Satellite Tracking

 

39

Appendix A (cont’d).

 

 

F requency/P'I'I‘ ID Year Departure Date Return Date Method
24998 2000 5/25/00 ‘ "
25038 2000 5/29/00 ‘ b
25088 2000 5/31/00 ‘ b
25040 2000 ‘ 9/26/00 Satellite Tracking
25066 2000 ’ 9/16/00 Satellite Tracking
25067 2000 ‘ f "
25041 2000 ‘ l "
166.215 2001 5/23/01 9/13/01 Radio Tracking
166.575 2001 5/23/01 1 1/05/01 Radio Tracking
166.165 2001 5/30/01 9/28/01 Radio Tracking
166.225 2001 5/30/01 9/28/01 Radio Tracking
166.235 2001 5/30/01 9/19/01 Radio Tracking
166.365 2001 5/30/01 9/24/01 Radio Tracking
166.465 2001 5/30/01 d Radio Tracking
165.735 2001 6/01/01 9/03/01 Hunter Return
166.175 2001 6/01/01 ° b
166.265 2001 6/01/01 9/14/01 Radio Tracking
166.425 2001 6/01/01 1 1/14/01 Radio Tracking
166.545 2001 6/01/01 9/14/01 Radio Tracking
166.105 2001 6/02/01 10/03/01 Radio Tracking
166.275 2001 6/02/01 9/18/01 Radio Tracking
166.355 2001 6/02/01 9/25/01 Radio Tracking
166.385 2001 6/02/01 9/18/01 Radio Tracking
166.495 2001 6/02/01 9/18/01 Radio Tracking
166.245 2001 6/05/01 9/14/01 Radio Tracking
166.285 2001 6/05/01 10/06/01 Hunter Return

 

4O

Appendix A (cont’d).

 

 

 

F requency/PTT ID Year Departure Date Return Date Method
166.365 2001 6/05/01 9/08/01 Hunter Return
166.395 2001 6/05/01 10/19/01 Radio Tracking
165.665 2001 6/08/01 9/10/01 Radio Tracking
166.475 2001 6/08/01 ' b
166.525 2001 6/08/01 ° 5
166.565 2001 6/09/01 9/05/01 Radio Tracking
166.115 2001 6/15/01 9/ 18/01 Radio Tracking
13718 2001 6/02/01 9/12/01 Satellite Tracking
13724 2001 6/02/01 8 "

13729 2001 6/02/01 ‘ b

13730 2001 6/03/01 3 b

13731 2001 6/04/01 9/28/01 Satellite Tracking
13732 2001 6/05/01 9/12/01 Satellite Tracking
13713 2001 6/06/01 10/02/01 Satellite Tracking
13721 2001 6/06/01 9/16/01 Satellite Tracking
13725 2001 6/06/01 9/16/01 Satellite Tracking
13733 2001 6/06/01 9/08/01 Satellite Tracking
13734 2001 6/07/01 9/12/01 Satellite Tracking
25086 2001 6/08/01 10/30/01 Satellite Tracking
13722 2001 6/14/01 9/08/01 Satellite Tracking

' — mortality signal detected during aerial telemetry search of James and Hudson Bay

b - not applicable

° -— bird was not located during return period or thereafter

d - bird located , but well after peak return flights, date not used

° — shot during return flight outside of Michigan, date not used

;— PTT not functioning

-— bird was confirmed shot near molting area

41

Appendix B. Latitude and longitude (decimal degrees) of breeding and molt sites and distances flown to
molt sites for PTT and VHF marked geese from southeastern Michigan, 2000 and 2001.

 

 

F requency/P’I'T ID Year Latl' Lonlb Lat2c Lon2d Distance Flown (km)
165.415 2000 42.558 83.278 53.817 79.000 1287.37
165.595 2000 42.412 83.430 53.817 79.000 1308.95
165.355 2000 42.790 84.400 54.167 79.100 1319.84
165.435 2000 42.790 84.400 54.167 79.100 1319.84
165.665 2000 42.790 84.400 55.1 17 82.867 1378.59
165.775 2000 42.672 84.669 54.800 79.683 1394.89
165.575 2000 42.790 84.400 55.733 79.167 1488.11
165.685 2000 42.790 84.400 55.767 79.150 1496.64
165.335 2000 42.790 84.400 55.867 79.867 1497.27
165.835 2000 42.715 84.520 58.700 77.000 1854.29
165.515 2000 42.790 84.400 58.967 77.850 1855.56
165.815 2000 42.790 84.400 59.017 77.850 1882.00
165.625 2000 42.828 84.378 59.200 78.100 1883.52
165.675 2000 42.477 83.161 59.150 77.550 1899.07
165.325 2000 42.478 83.158 60.1 17 76.800 2014.00
165.715 2000 42.412 83.432 60.883 77.133 2099.88
25067 2000 42.536 82.900 54.260 79.164 1336.32
25040 2000 42.829 84.401 54.860 83.081 1344.17

25066 2000 42.688 84.51 1 54.682 83.892 1381.75
24999 2000 42.700 83.925 56.546 79.21 1 1576.41
25087 2000 42.812 84.351 56.841 80.094 1588.83
24998 2000 42.328 84.203 57.873 77.107 1794.69
25088 2000 42.561 83.279 59.900 77.472 1972.38
25000 2000 42.675 84.667 60.337 77.136 2030.57
25041 2000 42.772 83.813 60.558 76.871 2032.51

 

42

Appendix B (cont’d).

 

 

Frequency/PTT ID Year Latl' Lonlb Lat2c Lon2d Distance Flown (krn)
25038 2000 42.275 83.700 64.805 77.893 2537.59
165.735 2001 42.567 83.841 53.367 80.050 1233.13
166.105 2001 42.475 83.155 55.000 82.267 1395.17
166.335 2001 42.723 83.259 55.900 79.500 1485.18
166.395 2001 42.427 83.428 56.833 79.833 1620.74
165.665 2001 42.790 84.399 58.333 77.783 1786.83
166.285 2001 42.567 83.841 58.383 77.983 1806.08
166.475 2001 42.790 84.399 58.600 77.467 1824.93
166.495 2001 42.475 83.155 58.550 76.767 1853.45
166.225 2001 42.722 83.242 59.133 77.600 1867.28
166.235 2001 42.385 84.369 58.967 78.133 1895.23
166.425 2001 42.674 84.666 59.433 77.567 1928.47
166.1 15 2001 42.475 83. 155 60.200 76.450 2024.92
166.215 2001 42.431 83.430 60.333 77.550 2031.33
166.165 2001 42.426 83.434 61.333 77.283 2138.52
166.175 2001 42.813 84.348 61.717 77.800 2149.87
166.385 2001 42.475 83.155 62.217 78.1 17 2230.23
13713 2001 42.981 83.746 51.405 80.242 979.05
13733 2001 42.524 84.358 54.096 82.263 1373.51
13732 2001 42.688 84.512 55.070 82.716 1380.53
13724 2001 42.929 84.003 56.180 78.895 1518.73
13718 2001 42.433 83.478 56.204 78.805 1562.92
25086 2001 42.475 83.155 58.243 77.678 1800.78
13725 2001 42.657 83.936 59.109 78.228 1875.63
13724 2001 42.475 83.155 59.024 76.946 1895.11
13722 2001 42.674 84.666 60.924 76.722 2100.89

 

43

Appendix B (cont’d).

 

 

 

Frequency/PTT ID Year Latl' Lonlb Lat2c Lon2d Distance Flown (km)
13731 2001 42.787 83.287 61.615 77.170 2137.31
13729 2001 42.813 84.348 61.608 77.432 2141.99
1372] 2001 42.705 84.479 61.352 76.587 2144.15
13730 2001 42.637 83.202 shot during migration north
‘ — Latitude of breeding site
b - Longitude of breeding site
° - Latitude of molt site
d

— Longitude of molt site

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