05/17/2024
The Yachats Academy of Arts and Sciences presents Dr. Sarah Rockwell of the Klamath Bird Observatory speaking on GPS-Tracking Western Purple Martins to Brazil and Back.
Sunday May 19, 3:00 pm, in the Yachats Commons Dr. Sarah Rockwell shares the results of the first of its kind study of the Western Purple Martin, their migratory pathways and winter roost locations.
Purple Martins are only here from about April to August, and until recently we only had the slightest idea of where they spend the non-breeding months. From 2020-2022, the KBO research team captured adult Western Purple Martins nesting in coastal Oregon, and outfitted them with lightweight GPS tags to track their movements.
These tags need a battery lightweight enough for a small songbird to carry safely. The tags cannot transmit GPS data, only store it on board. To retrieve the tag and its valuable data, returning tagged birds must be found and recaptured after their year-long, round-trip migration. What a trip!
Learn as Dr. Rockwell tells the fascinating story of how international collaboration and dedication, succeeded in revealing new discoveries about the incredible 8,000-mile journeys.
Admission is by a suggested donation of $5.00. YAAS is supported by Polly Plumb Productions, a Yachats non- profit. For more information please visit pollyplumb.org. and yachatsacademy.org
