Backyard bird watching

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by PRBuzz

Bird tagging/electronic tracking: why would anyone want to do this to a seagull?

There is a seagull on the ledge (I have pictures/movies) with a radio transmitter mounted on its back, presuming for tracking bird movement versus spying activity?

Anyone know who is interested in seagulls?

Found the answer: The Mass DCR! Your tax $$ at work.

Water Supply Protection Gull Study
A variety of birds utilize the Wachusett and Quabbin Reservoirs for breeding, migratory stops, roosting, and feeding. Most species, like the common loon, occur in such low numbers that they pose little threat to water quality. However, some species – such as gulls, ducks and geese – can concentrate in large numbers for an extended period of time. DCR operates a highly effective gull harassment program at both reservoirs to limit the pollutants from these birds; Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs continually meet all state and federal drinking water standards.

DCR Water Supply Protection Gull Study


What are the odds? There are 25 gulls with these antennas.

[Raven]

i would imagine a circling seagull would indicate
that there's baitfish below or some fishy activity....
theres potential there....

and actually if you were out to sea and had a trained one
to find the fish for a reward they are smart enough to deliver

always got a kick out of those diving ducks that
were tethered that would go catch fish
and then reeled in by the master

[JackK]

I think UNH does some work with seagull tagging... there's a ton of tagged birds out near the Isles of Shoals