How to attach logger - BIRDS

There are few methods to attach loggers. So, in case of birds we may use collars, leg rings as well as harness or just glue loggers to feathers.

Each of the methods have to be chosen with great attention to bird behaviour and body weight.

Collars (i.e. IBIS collar design by ECOTONE) could be use for geese same way as birds are tagged with engraved (numbered) collars.

Leg rings mount specially designed for species like cranes could be used in some cases.

Harness is the most popular way to set GPS loggers / trackers however require knowledge how to make it correctly.

Glued on loggers / taped loggers - the easy way to attach loggers especially recommended for small birds as well for short-time projects (e.g. breeding season only). Loggers might be attached directly to feathers or using small "base plate" as a background. Please note that method lead to possible tracker loss since the feathers are eventually preened out.

Remember that wrong attached device might cause movement problems for bird! We do recommend to read paperers with method description AND to practice on birds in captivity or even models which gives general idea and good practice for later field work.

Sample papers:
Title: New Harness Design for Attachment of Radio Transmitters to Small Passerines
Author(s): John H. Rappole and Alan R. Tipton
Source: Journal of Field Ornithology, Vol. 62, No. 3 (Summer, 1991), pp. 335-337

Title: LEG-LOOP HARNESS DESIGN FOR ATTACHING EXTERNAL TRANSMITTERS TO SEABIRDS
Author(s): MARK L. MALLORY & CYNTHIA D. GILBERT
Source: Marine Ornithology 36: 183–188 (2008)