Brant have a very rigorous and fascinating annual migration that has been the subject of much study. Decades of traditional leg banding tells some of the basic story but telemetry has revealed many more of the exciting details. Early work involved surgical implants of satellite transmitters that provided unprecedented exact locations of birds anywhere in real time. Drawbacks included the expense of satellite usage and battery size needed to extend transmitter life to record annual cycles. This has lead to development of back pack style devices using solar panels for battery charging. These units record and store location data until it can be downloaded to a cell tower or other receiving station. Another design being tested here no involved attaching data recorders to neck collars WBF has assisted with harness design and attachment technique using our captive Brant flock. . Another design being tested here now is data recorders attached to neck collars as used on larger geese and swans. USGS, USF&W, and WDFW personnel have all enjoyed having live test subjects readily available.

One amazing discovery came about in the spring of 2006 during northbound migration of Western High Arctic Brant. Telemetry documented for the first time ever some birds take an inland shortcut through the NW Territories of Canada enroute to nesting grounds in the Parry Islands. This is highly unusual behavior for any Pacific Flyway Brant as they are rarely seen more than a short distance away from the coastline. Refer to tracking map.