In our last newsletter, we described what Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations are all about. On Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 pm at the JP Coughlin Center in Oshkosh, you are invited to learn even more about them from Jacob Woulf, the Motus coordinator at the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory.
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a form of radio telemetry that researchers use to track movements of small animals as they move across the landscape. In his presentation, Jacob will discuss the expansion of the Motus network in Wisconsin. He will go over the components of Motus stations and transmitters; discuss similarities and differences with other tracking methods; display examples of animals detected at Wisconsin stations; and demonstrate how to navigate the Motus website.
Jacob Woulf is a passionate ecologist with a love for all wildlife. Jacob earned a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in Environmental Science and Policy. His thesis examined the spatial ecology of Double-crested Cormorants in lower Green Bay. He joined the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory in January 2023 and is currently the Motus coordinator. In his free time, Jacob enjoys wildlife photography, trail camera monitoring, and basically any other outdoor activity.
You can help!
Winnebago Audubon supports the addition of Motus Wildlife Tracking Stations in our area. This exciting, new conservation tool will change our understanding of small species, especially birds, and how to best protect them. The towers are only 30 feet tall and look like a TV antenna that you might have on your home. Our hope is to engage students locally to become involved with this community science project, as well. We have created a Motus Fund and are asking area residents to consider a donation in any amount to put up more of these stations in our area to build upon the east to west line of stations across the state. The cost of one station is $5,000. The tags run about $300 each. Thanks to one very generous donor, we are on our way to sponsoring one tower along with tags. A donation in any amount to this fund would be greatly appreciated. Let’s see what our community can do together to support this worthwhile research!
Donate online at winnebagoaudubon.org/donate – please note MOTUS in comments.
Or mail a check payable to: Winnebago Audubon with MOTUS in memo. Mail to Winnebago Audubon, PO Box 184, Oshkosh, WI 54903.