Bemidji, MN — Bemidji State University biology graduate student will begin project tracking the migration of purple martins breeding in northwestern Minnesota and locating purple martin pre-migratory roosting sites in this region of the state.
Since 1966, purple martin populations in Minnesota have declined by more than 75%. For the past several years, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Minnesota Purple Martin Working Group, has been mounting purple martins with solar geolocators in order to identify areas of conservation concern. These geolocators record light-intensity levels relative to an accurate, onboard clock. From this light data, location estimates are obtained as individual birds go about their daily and seasonal routines. Thus far, only migration data from central and southern Minnesota have been collected. This Bemidji State University study will use solar geolocators to collect migration data pertaining to this northwestern Minnesota breeding population.
In addition, purple martins from this population will be mounted with GPS data-loggers in order to locate the roosting sites used by individuals prior to fall migration. There has never been a purple martin pre-migratory roost documented in northwestern Minnesota. During their time spent at these roosts, purple martins begin molting flight and body feathers and they spend a great deal of time foraging.
Cathy Henry, the Bemidji State University graduate student implementing the study, will be capturing and mounting tracking devices onto purple martins at their breeding colonies, releasing them, and then re-capturing them the following year to retrieve the migration data. These tracking devices, however, are not cheap and Henry has begun a Kickstarter project page to generate funds to purchase additional devices. The Kickstarter page features her project proposal, a variety of donor rewards for different giving levels, and project updates as she begins her field work.
For those interested in learning more about this study or wishing to donate, please visit: Kickstarter.com
