When does this fundraiser close for entries?
Entries close on October 17th or when we get the data showing a Bith might have left the coast, whichever comes first. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Why are we setting the finish line at the Atlantic, and not Hispaniola, where most Bicknell’s Thrushes overwinter?
The East Coast of the United States has full coverage by Motus towers, so we will know when each bird leaves. Unfortunately, there aren’t nearly enough Motus Towers on Hispaniola to provide full coverage, so we won’t see when all the birds arrive. We’re hoping to rectify that with help from our community and this fundraiser!
What is the expected schedule of Bicknell’s Thrush as they migrate south?
While we don’t have enough information (yet!) to fully understand their migration route and dates. But according to past years’ data:
September 23: Most BITH have left Mount Mansfield.
October 3: The median date of BITH detection in the mid-Atlantic region.
October 22nd: Most BITH have left the mid-Atlantic region.
October 25th: The median date of BITH detection in the Coastal Carolinas.
October 27th: Most BITH have left the Coastal Carolinas.
November 15: Most BITH have arrived to Hispaniola.
How do we know that a bird has left the coast when it pings a tower, and isn’t just in the area or passing by on the coast?
Birds may be detected on Motus towers as they fly southward along the coast or during a prolonged stopover within the detection radius (about 15 kilometers) of a Motus station. Often, when birds are actively migrating, they are detected by several towers in a single night, especially in areas where Motus Towers are dense. Motus towers generally have multiple antennas and each is focused in different directions to maximize coverage. We can use the signal strength detected by the towers and the specific antennas on the tower to infer direction of flight and rough proximity estimates. If two towers detect the same bird as a bird travels out over the water, the tower with the strongest signal strength will be used as the date and time of departure.
If a bird leaves Mount Mansfield early, does that mean it’s more likely to leave the East Coast first?
Maybe? More research is needed!
How long until we know the winning bird?
Because of the large amount of migratory bird data being processed during fall migration, there is currently a lag time of up to two weeks between a bird pinging a Motus tower and that data being uploaded to the Motus website. Because Motus towers upload their data at different rates, we will announce the official bird winner when all the data are in and processed by our researchers, which will be around November 15th.
Can I pick more than one bird?
Sure! To pick another bird, complete another full contribution form, including another financial contribution, and submit it. You can do so until October 17th or when we get the data showing a Bith might have left the coast, whichever comes first.
How custom is the custom merch?
The stickers, travel mugs, and baseball caps featuring the winning bird will be identical and come in one size. Donors who successfully choose the winning bird at the $100 level can choose their t-shirt size. Donors who successfully choose the winning bird at the $5,000 or $10,000 level will be consulted on the size and color of the vest or jacket, plus the placement and content of the custom embroidery featuring the winning bird.
