Effects of Backpack Radio Packages on Mass of Captive-reared Mallards Released in Maryland
Radio telemetry has been an invaluable technique to study waterfowl ecology, but impacts of radio packages on ducks have not been experimentally assessed during the non-breeding season. We tested the hypothesis that backpack-style radios with 2 body harness loops influenced the body mass dynamics of 8-week-old captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) released in Maryland in August. We attached mock radio packages and visual markers to 477 experimental ducks and visual markers only to 582 control birds. Half of experimental and control birds were released on a tidal marsh and received...
