With the development of Motus in UK, I would like to be trained in the art of fitting Motus harnesses and tags I am a BTO ringing trainer, residing in the UK, but willing to travel.
Hi Michael, I could send you some files that may help you better understand how we tag songbirds. Could you send me your email address for that?
Cheers, Heiko
Hi Heiko,
Thank you for your offer of files describing how to tag songbirds, my email address is:
Michaelpolling649@btinternet.com
The problem I have, is in finding someone to teach me to fit the devices to the birds, I am prepared to travel if I can find a trainer and would consider travelling to North America if necessary…
Cheers Mike
Hi Michael,
As far as I’m aware, although I would need to check with the BTO, not many people tag birds with a leg loop harness (whcih is what would most likely be used). I have set up / helped with a couple of Motus tagging projects in the UK, which have all been glue based - this is because the lifespan of the tags we’ve been using is quite low, and the BTO would not deem it particularly reasonable to attach these with a harness. I had looked at trying to make a ‘weak link’-type harness, which is probably what Heiko will send to you - this was just bare elastic, but the BTO were quite sensitive to this and I didn’t get very far.
So, at the moment the only people who could probably train you would be people using geolocators, and these would be deployed with stretch magic cord, which is used so that the tags are retained - I’m as close to 100% sure the BTO wouldn’t permit this for short-lifespan tags.
If you had some funding for long lifespan tags, with a solar panel, and were confident you could get long term detections then they might be more keen on licensing for a harness. Just a hunch. I know you didn’t ask about licensing specifically, but the next step presumably for you would be to be on a license, or acquire your own license, so it’s important to think about this.
Most of the our projects in the UK are very funding limited; as far as i’m aware no one has plans/ any money for long term tagging projects. But, if you had a study species in mind, and a source of funding, then you would be able to work better with the BTO to think about how to go about getting a license.
You can reach me at lucy.mitchell@ugent.be, if you would like to get some more information. Best, Lucy
If you’re willing to travel to Pittsburgh, PA, USA; I could train you at Powdermill Nature Reserve. I’ve got a bander friend in the UK who bands at Sandwhich Bay. I’ll ask him if he has experience.
Good morning Luke
Thank you for your offer of training in application of the Motus Nano-tags, I would like to take you up on this. Flights to Pittsburgh from Uk - no problem although there is a stop over in USA on most flights. The real questions that I have are: How long does it take to train someone in motus skills/Number of birds to be tagged before considered competent. In short how long would you require me to stay at PowderMill? When would you be available to train me? currently I have commitments in April and May. I presume that staying at Powdermill involves some cost,? I note that Powdermill is running a Motus course in May, Unfortunately I am unable to attend this as mentioned above. what would be the cost of you training myself?
Best wishes
Michael Polling
Hi Michael,
to my experience the time to learn harnessing is very person-dependent. If you are an experienced bird ringer with lots of bird handling in your pocket, I have seen people perfecting harnessing already on their first bird, when watching it 2-3 times. I personally was a slow learner, so it took me maybe a dozen of birds to be confident.
Best, Thiemo
Hi Thiemo Thank you for your encouragement regarding motus fitting, I have now arranged a trip to Powdermill to learn the necessary skills As for experience of handling birds, I have handled birds from warblers to snowy owl size in the past Best wishes Mike