Range map of the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri). This species breeds in Alaska (blue),
spends the non-breeding season in New Zealand and east Australia (green), and stops at staging areas
in east Asia (pink) during northbound migration.

Bar-tailed Godwits need plenty of their invertebrate foods to "fuel-up" before making their long migration flights.

We captured 16 godwits in February in New Zealand and marked them with satellite transmitters to
determine the routes and timing of their northbound migration.

Overview of Golden Bay near the capture site of godwits on the South Island, New Zealand.

Birders look for shorebirds at Miranda near the capture site of godwits on the North Island, New Zealand.

We used leg harnesses to attach solar-powered satellite transmitters to godwits.

Releasing a satellite-tagged godwit.

Birds were also marked with uniquely coded leg bands to allow us to identify any individuals that might be observed. This bird is marked
"E1" and is a female with an implanted transmitter; note the antenna that is faintly visible along her tail.

Many groups and individuals throughout the East-Asia Australasian Flyway are very interested in godwit
ecology and conservation. Groups that are involved in this current study include the Miranda Shorebird
Centre, New Zealand Ornithological Society, University of Massey, Point Reyes Bird Observatory,
and the USGS Alaska Science Center.