Study Osprey Foraging and Movement

Study Osprey Foraging and Movement

Monitor and study the current Osprey nests at Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve in a cooperative effort with US Forest Service Mono Basin Scenic Area, Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group and University of California, Davis. The study area includes sites at Castle Tufa, Navy Beach, South Tufa, Lee Vining Tufa, Old Marina, County Park, Negit Islets, and Like a Man Tufa. Study will utilize banding and satellite transmitters to address questions pertaining to the osprey population, specifically relating to foraging areas, nest site fidelity and pair fidelity. Thirty gram solar powered transmitters will be placed on the back, between shoulders of the osprey, and attached with a harness around the wings providing GPS locations of the individuals for three to five years. Tracking method is common and has not been shown to negatively influence their survival or success. Project elements include: - A minimum of four individual birds (selected in the field based on existing conditions) will receive satellite transmitters; all captured individuals will be banded. Two of the transmitters will be used for both mates of a pair having an active nest so that questions pertaining to feeding of young may be addressed. The remaining transmitters will be placed on birds from different nesting locations. - Osprey capture and handling will be performed by a qualified biologist with the necessary permits. - Biologist will utilize a noose carpet/pyramid at the nests and/or dho ghaza set-ups on shore. Capture will occur during incubation and nesting stages, with biologist time at nest and captivity of adults as minimal as possible. Nests will be accessed by boat along side the tufa. The bander will climb the tufa; at nests where this is not possible, a ladder will be used. Volunteers will be on shore at the Visitor Center use areas to explain the project process to the public. If evidence of potentially significant historical/archaeological resources are discovered at any point during the project, work will be suspended until the find can be assessed by either the District or Service Center archeologist.

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