Wing Tags, How do these work?

[Fonsia]

Hello! Just wondering how the large, bright wingtags work. Obviously they're permanent, but how are they attached to the wing? I'm sure they don't impede the birds at all, but it looks as though it would be a bit painful at first--perhaps like an ear piercing?

I think, actually, that these are a wonderful way to keep track of the eagles. Sure wish they'd do that with the Decorah eaglets, so we could have some chance of tracking them--other than the one that has a transmitter.

Anyway, just wondered how the things are attached. Thanks!

[Eagle Duo]

Here's a video of the IWS team putting wingblings & GPS units on the 2010 Pelican Harbor eaglets, with Dr. Sharpe explaining everything they were doing along the way. I hope this will answer some of your questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT9n5jyw5_I

[Fonsia]

Wow, that is fascinating! Gosh, I wish they'd do this at Decorah. They could gather so much information on what those eaglets do after they enter the wild. As it is, they don't even get gender information.

Ah well, different research has different goals.

This is just wonderful.

I note that Dr. Sharpe said the transmitters should fall off after 2-3 years. I've read that the one they put on last year's Decorah "E2" is supposed to be permanent, although the battery will run out in six to seven years.

I know it doesn't bother the bird at all, but I'd hate to see that attached to her for the next 30 years! Hope it falls off at some point once it's finished gathering data. (As I write this, she's up by Lake Superior, after having been in the Decorah area just a week or so ago--they got photos of her!)

Thanks so much for this!

[Eagle Duo]

You're most welcome. Glad you found it helpful.