It’s a tough life for a young warbler!

Haradon, Haley

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132884 Copy

Description

Title

It’s a tough life for a young warbler!

Author(s)

Haradon, Haley

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Bird band #2721-36396-tag153, affectionately nicknamed “Susan” - was the lone survivor of her clutch. As a fledgling, her only defense against predators was the hopefully perfect impersonation of a pinecone while waiting helplessly for her parents to return with food. Outfitting her with a radio-transmitter, my research task was to follow Susan from the day she fledged until migration. A quick learner, she was ready to depart her loving and doting parents after just five weeks to forge her future. I spent months following Susan as she explored the jack pine barrens of northern Michigan, sometimes flying 45 miles in a single day. This prospecting period is crucial as she must scout the landscape in search of the perfect breeding habitat for the following spring. In late September, when I could no longer detect her, I feared the absolute worst. However, by analyzing her detections from automated telemetry towers strategically positioned across the United States, I was delighted to confirm her successful migration to the wintering grounds in the Bahamian archipelago. I wish Susan a warm winter and hope to see her again next year, when she will initiate her first brood and contribute to another generation of Kirtland’s Warblers.

Type of Resource

• Text
• Image

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132884

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Haley Haradon

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