CHALLENGES ADAPTING A BACKPACK HARNESS FOR USE ON GRAY HAWKS (BUTEO PLAGIATUS)

Raptor biologists have successfully used backpack-type harnesses to attach transmitters to a wide range of raptor species for research. As part of a graduate research project with Gray Hawks (Buteo plagiatus) in south Texas, we attached harnesses to 58 individuals and experienced problems with seven birds removing the harnesses and with all females covering the solar panels of the OrniTrack-10 GPS-GSM transmitters, preventing them from functioning properly. We appear to have resolved these issues by trimming nape feathers (short-term solution), switching to a different harness material, stitching through the knots, switching to a different brand of glue, and using a transmitter with an elevated solar panel for females, which are typically larger than males.

Automated summary

Researchers faced challenges when using backpack-type harnesses with transmitters for Gray Hawks in south Texas, including birds removing the harnesses and females covering the solar panels of the transmitters. By trimming feathers, changing harness material, stitching through knots, using a different brand of glue, and utilizing a transmitter with an elevated solar panel, the issues were resolved.