Hawks are majestic birds of prey that have long captured the human imagination. Their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and incredible speed make them expert hunters. But in recent years, a fascinating question has emerged: do humans put tracking devices on hawks? The answer is yes, in some cases humans do attach tiny tracking devices to hawks. This is done by researchers, conservationists, and falconers for various purposes. Let’s explore why and how trackers are used on hawks.
Why Put Trackers on Hawks?
There are a few key reasons why small tracking devices may be attached to hawks:
Conservation Research
Scientists who study and want to protect endangered hawk species will sometimes fit the birds with trackers. This helps them gather valuable data on the hawks’ migration patterns, feeding habits, nesting sites, and causes of population decline. The more researchers understand about the birds’ behaviors and needs, the better they can recommend conservation strategies.
Falconry
Falconers who work with hawks may use trackers to train their birds to hunt prey and return. The trackers allow the falconers to follow the birds’ movements during a hunt or retrieve them if they become lost. This protects the investment the falconers have made in training the birds.
Scientific Studies
Researchers may attach trackers to hawks to study their biology and ecology. The trackers generate data on the routes the birds take during migration, how high and far they fly, their hunting and feeding habits, and what habitats they use. This information provides valuable scientific insights.
What Kinds of Tracking Devices Are Used?
There are a few main types of small tracking tags and transmitters that may be temporarily or permanently fixed to a hawk:
Leg Bands
Colored leg bands with printed codes allow researchers to identify individual hawks when resighted or recaptured. Leg bands don’t actually transmit tracking data, but they help match hawks to research records.
Wing Tags
Small plastic or metal tags placed on a hawk’s wing also allow visual identification. Researchers can then track movements and behaviors to specific birds.
Backpack Transmitters
These tiny backpack-style transmitters are strapped like a harness over a hawk’s back and shoulders. They contain batteries and circuitry to transmit radio signals that can be picked up by researchers.
Implantable Transmitters
Tiny transmitters are sometimes surgically implanted under the skin or into the body cavity of a hawk. These provide more reliable tracking than external transmitters.
Satellite Tags
Advanced satellite transmitters with GPS can pinpoint a hawk’s location anywhere in the world. These are usually attached like backpacks and send position data to orbiting satellites.
How Are the Devices Attached to Hawks?
While the tracking devices themselves are small, fitting them properly to a hawk takes some expertise and care. Here are some of the main methods:
Leg Bands
Leg bands are attached around a hawk’s leg just like a ring. They must be precisely fitted to avoid irritating the leg or falling off. Band size is specific to each bird.
Wing Tags
Wing tags pierced through the patagial tag – a flap of skin on the leading edge of a hawk’s wing. A sealed rivet goes through the hole to hold the tag in place.
Backpack Transmitters
Straps or harnesses loop around the hawk’s body and wings to hold backpack transmitters in place like a miniature backpack. These must be snug enough not to rotate or rub.
Implanted Transmitters
Surgical implants are tricky and require capturing the hawk and putting it under anesthesia. The belly area is sterilized and a small incision made to insert the transmitter in the body cavity or under skin. The incision is then sutured closed.
Satellite Tags
Satellite tags usually attach like snug backpacks using Teflon ribbon straps threaded behind the wings and across the breastbone. Adhesives and grooming help hold down feathers.
Potential Risks and Ethical Concerns
While tracking hawks can provide valuable data for research and conservation, the practice also raises some potential risks and ethical concerns, including:
Stress
Being captured and handled can stress hawks and disrupt their normal behavior for days or weeks. This should be minimized.
Restricted Movement
External devices may impede a hawk’s movement or flight performance. These impacts need to be assessed and minimized.
Injuries
Leg bands, wing tags, and harness-style transmitters can sometimes irritate skin, cause chafing injuries, or even get snagged on branches. Careful fitting helps prevent this.
Infection
Poor sterilization during surgical implants can introduce infections. Post-release monitoring helps identify problems.
Failed Units
Transmitters and batteries can malfunction over time. Units should be recovered if possible when they reach the end of functional life.
Interference in Natural Behavior
Marked hawks may be ostracized by their flock or targeted by predators. Researchers try to minimize impacts to natural dynamics.
Ethical Considerations
Some argue that tagging wild animals for human purposes is ethically questionable without consent. The value of the research should justify any disruption caused.
Weighing Benefits and Risks
Ultimately, the decision to tag and track hawks involves carefully weighing the expected benefits against any risks or disruptions the birds will face. Some key considerations when evaluating hawk tracking programs:
Why Track the Hawks?
The research goals should address important scientific questions or support meaningful conservation outcomes. Data should not be collected unnecessarily.
Will the Program Work?
Proposed methods should reliably achieve study objectives with high tag retention and data recovery from the desired number of birds.
Are the Hawks Endangered?
Impacts to small, vulnerable populations are of greater concern than abundant generalist species like red-tailed hawks. Risks must be exceptionally low for endangered birds.
Can Risks be Minimized?
From tag design to capture methods to research protocols, risks must be minimized through careful pilot testing and tracking procedures.
Are Impacts Short-term?
Ideally, tags are only used temporarily for the required data collection period and do not permanently alter the birds’ behavior or survival.
Will it Cultivate Stewardship?
Educating the public about hawk research can cultivate a greater appreciation for the species and support for conservation.
Conclusion
Modern tracking technology has allowed researchers fascinating new insights into the secret lives of hawks. But the decision to capture, handle, and attach devices to wild birds is not taken lightly. Responsible researchers carefully weigh the expected benefits against any potential harm to the birds and thoughtfully consider the ethics of their work. With conscientious practices, hawk tracking can yield valuable knowledge to support the conservation of these captivating raptors for generations to come. The data gathered can also help educate the public and promote an ethic of environmental stewardship. So while the sight of a tagged hawk may seem strange at first, it represents an endeavor grounded in respect for nature and fueled by an essential spirit of inquiry.