Call for Least Tern data

In 2012, biologists studying least terns in Southern California attached geolocator devices to 42 California Least Terns.  These geolocator devices measure daylight in relation to an internal clock, and is used on small birds to track migratory and wintering routes.  

Yes, we know this isn't a LETE!

 The geolocator devices are visible on both standing and flying birds. They are a small, black, U-shaped device that was glued to leg bands.

The migratory and wintering routes of the endangered Least Tern are still little understood.  This study hopes to provide information about these aspects of the other eight months of these birds secret lives when they are not spending their summers in California.  

Since the Least Tern was declared an endangered species, a research priority has been to discover the location of their wintering grounds.  This is a joint effort by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Los Angeles Audubon, and the Pasadena Audubon Society.
 
Thomas requests the help of the birding community in spotting returning birds. If you see an individual with one of these devices, please report it to the project biologist, Tom Ryan, at tryanbio@gmail.com.  Tom Ryan is President of Ryan Ecological Consulting and Southern California Center for Avian Studies.

With only 42 birds equipped, and with such fast-moving and small birds, spotting one of these devices will be tough.  But do what you can!