Synopsis of Year 2

Large movements of some satellite-marked geese began during the first week of June (view map PTT locations 2001). As of June 16, 2001, 19 of the 25 satellite marked geese made northern movements similar to last year's birds (view map of June 16 PTT locations 2001); however, they departed Michigan about a week later than last year. At the same time 26 of the geese marked with conventional radio transmitters were missing from the Michigan study area.

During a second telemetry flight in late July, 2001, 16 of the 26 missing VHF marked geese were located (view map of VHF locations with PTT locations 2001).

After two years of data collection, we have documented relatively consistent movement patterns of giant Canada geese from southern Michigan. These birds have a strong affinity for habitat along the north eastern coast of the Hudson Bay, the northwestern coast of the James Bay (where it meets with the Hudson Bay) and the Belcher Islands (view map of VHF and PTT locations combined for both years).

Although we have limited evidence from data collected during fall 2000 that molt migrant geese returned to Michigan during the month of September, we are anxious to follow the fall movements of birds that went north this spring. You can track the progress of geese returning this fall by viewing the following series of maps: