The wanderers: Satellite tracking reveals where the wild peregrines go
Transmittered: A young peregrine falcon with solar-powered satellite transmitter used to track movements during dispersal and beyond. Photo by Bryan Watts
We know very little about the time between when birds leave their natal territories and when they settle on their winter grounds. Although the period is a black hole of information, it is believed to be a critical time for the birds themselves, packed with learning and exploration.
The birds become self-sufficient, prospect for future breeding locations and learn about their extended neighborhood. Because individuals disappear during this dispersal period, questions about their activities during these formative months have remained beyond the reach of ornithologists. The development of satellite tracking techniques has ushered in a new era of ecological inquiry and for the first time has allowed scientists to peek into the private lives of birds wherever they go.
Over a decade beginning in 2001, Center for Conservation Biology researchers deployed satellite transmitters on 61 young peregrine falcons to answer several questions about migratory strategy, winter destinations, the process of establishing breeding territories and the nature of the dispersal period. Transmitters delivered more than 66,000 usable locations on birds, covering important periods of the annual cycle. The dispersal period was characterized by long movements and wide-ranging exploration. The length of this period averaged 48 days before birds initiated directional flights to winter territories.
During this time, birds visited 23 states, with activities concentrated along the Atlantic Coast and southern Appalachians. Inland movements were bounded by the Great Lakes to the north and the Mississippi River to the west. Birds showed a clear attraction to major metropolitan areas including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Cleveland and Detroit.
The name “peregrine” is derived from the word “peregrination” meaning to travel abroad, roam or wander, reflecting the wide-ranging movements of this species. One of the more interesting findings of tracking birds during the dispersal period is that although they moved over great distances they did not appear to be wandering aimlessly.
Tracking logs revealed that the birds were attracted to the grand geologic structures that supported peregrine breeding historically as well as new structures in cities that tower over the surrounding landscape. Many of these structures support breeding peregrines today. Dispersing birds were locating and visiting other peregrines over large regions. The questions of how they were interacting with other birds and what they might be learning from the interactions remain a mystery.
Tracking efforts and other projects are advancing efforts to manage this recovering species in eastern North America. They are providing a wealth of new information that will enable us over time to better integrate peregrine management into the larger conservation landscape. Partners in the tracking effort include the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Transportation and Dominion Resources.
The Center for Conservation Biology is a joint effort of William & Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University.
