Tracking of goosanders Mergus merganser in Scotland

Wetherhill, Anthony S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5808-8692; Carss, David N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9187-2087; Heward, Christopher J.; Humphreys, Elizabeth M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2570-400X; Hunt, James; Wilson, Mark W.; Calladine, John. 2025 Tracking of goosanders Mergus merganser in Scotland. Bird Study. 12, pp. 10.1080/00063657.2025.2513544

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Abstract/Summary

•Capsule: The Goosander, a piscivorous species of duck, can be tracked using GPS tags, with initial results showing that ranging behaviour in spring differed between two river catchments in central and southern Scotland. •Aims: To assess the suitability of a glue-mounted attachment method for GPS tags on Goosanders, and to generate spatial data on Goosander movements. •Methods 20 Goosanders were tagged under licence in two Scottish river catchments and fitted with glue-mounted GPS tracking devices. The data from the tracking devices were analysed using a Brownian bridge movement model approach to generate home range isopleths, which were used to identify linear river sections used by each individual. •Results: Of 20 birds tagged, 17 generated usable data. Tag retention varied from less than 24 hours to 29 days. The lengths of river used differed between the two catchments (per bird at the 95% isopleth level: mean 59.4 km, 95% CI 50.8–68.0 km for one catchment, and mean 18.6 km, 95% CI 11.4–25.9 km for the other catchment) with birds in both catchments making more extensive use of available river habitats during daylight hours. •Conclusions: This study shows the potential for GPS tracking technology to be used to understand the movements of a piscivorous bird species. Tag retention remains a key limitation when tracking Goosanders, due to active removal by the birds, and improvements to attachment methodology are required. This would enable tracking over a greater portion of the Goosander’s annual cycle and would further improve our understanding of the factors determining river use and feeding behaviour of piscivorous birds.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1080/00063657.2025.2513544
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity and Land Use (2025-)
ISSN:	0006-3657
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	21 Jul 2025 12:34 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539905

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