We are starting a project involving least bitterns and tracking their movements. Looking for suggestions on what transmitters have been used and what method have been used most successfully for attachment.
Hi!
I never worked with bitterns, but we have fitted several medium sized species with transmitters using teflon harnesses and worked very good. (i.e. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229597396_Seasonal_dynamics_in_social_behaviour_and_spacing_patterns_of_the_Little_Owl_Athene_noctua?ev=prf_pub)
Regarding transmitter type, check thath with your transmitter makers, sure they can provide useful information.
Article Seasonal dynamics in social behaviour and spacing patterns o...
The attached file may help. Some suggestions: put an extra pad under the PTT to raise it; trim the back feathers that might get preened over the solar panel; and superglue (or melt together) the cut edges of the ribbon so that it doesn't fray. I am less familiar with such long-beaked birds as bitterns; we did have a ground hornbill die when its beak got stuck under the harness, but I don't know what to do about that and it only happened to one bird out of many.
Thanks for the advice. I did not even think about the long bill being an issue. Good thing to think about.
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