September 11, 2008 USGS Scientists return from Argentina on Collaborative Study:

Two USGS scientists from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center traveled to Argentina in late August to instrument 20 ducks with satellite transmitters as part of a collaborative study with the University of Cordoba in Cordoba, Argentina.  The ducks instrumented included the rosy-billed pochard and the three species of whistling ducks (fulvous, black-bellied, and white-faced).  The three year study is being conducted on a private ranch and is totally funded by the owner of the ranch.  A total of 120 ducks will be instrumented with satellite transmitters.  The purpose of the study is to learn more about the movements and habitats used by ducks in Argentina and to assist graduate students from the University in regard to techniques to capture, band, and instrument ducks for telemetry studies. The study was conducted in the northern part of Argentina near the town of Goya in wetland habitat similar to the prairie pothole area of Canada.  Because seasons are reversed from ours in the southern hemisphere, we would expect the ducks to go south to breed. Early movements of the ducks indicate southerly movements as their spring approaches.

Contact:
Dr. Matthew C. Perry Laurel, MD (301)497-5622
Dr. Glenn Olsen Laurel, MD (301)497-5603

HiLites Contact: Marilyn Whitehead, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 301-497-5503

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