Botulism study to track migratory patterns of loons

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Botulism study to track migratory patterns of loons
(Released July 22, 2010)


Two adult loons in Minnesota were equipped with satellite transmitters and geolocator tags last week in an effort to study the movements and foraging patterns of fish-eating waterbirds while they migrate through the Great Lakes.

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Avian botulism

 
Staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), St. Johns University and students observed while scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey - Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse, Wis., captured, attached telemetry equipment, geolocator tags and identification bands and released the loons.
Scientists attached a transmitter to the loons. Photo credit: Carrol Henderson
This movement study is being done in association with a larger U. S. Geological Survey study on avian botulism on the Great Lakes. The work will help determine the pathways of botulism exposure through the aquatic food chain. Botulism, which has caused more than 80,000 bird deaths on the Great Lakes since 1999, causes paralysis and death of vertebrates who ingest neurotoxin produced by the botulism bacterium.

“This study will also help managers better understand how loons fare as they head to their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts,” said USGS scientist Kevin Kenow, of the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. “Right now, little is known about habitat use along their entire migratory routes.”

Although only two Minnesota loons were tagged, they may provide some critical information.

“This small sample still may aid us in understanding the possible effect of the gulf oil spill on the Minnesota loon population,” said Carrol Henderson, supervisor Minnesota’s DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. “The information also will help us develop important conservation strategies for loons in Minnesota.”

In addition to satellite transmitter loons, up to 80 loons in the Midwest will be equipped with geolocator tags. These devices are programmed to record a daily location estimate, temperature, and pressure data to provide information on foraging depths.

Loons are iconic symbols of Minnesota Lakes, where they spend their summers raising their young and charming Minnesotans with their haunting calls. The state’s loon population currently estimated at about 12,000.

Photos from Carrol Henderson.





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