BIRDS
Motus Noise Tests by the American Bird Conservancy by Chris Kelly, Western Bird and Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Biologist
I n June, Garrett Rhyne, Southeast Motus Station Coordinator for the American Bird Conservancy, visited western NC to conduct noise tests and design installation plans at sev- eral sites under consideration for Motus stations. Before his visit, NCWRC staff had tentatively selected these sites based on prominent topog- raphy and clear viewsheds, which are a proxy for maximizing potential antenna range. Our first task was to assess background noise. The noise in question is local noise close to the Motus station that could interfere with detection of a coded radio tag (nanotag) worn by a passing bird or bat. Typical sources of noise are pow- erline distribution transformers, sometimes other communications equipment, and even the hum of a fan or lightbulb. Nanotags produce a quiet signal that is drowned out against a noisy background. Analo- gous to trying to hear one raindrop in a downpour. Next, we evaluated options for the station base. This is where Motus installation requires some creativity because each site is unique, ranging from lattice towers to fire towers, wood utility poles, or buildings. Likewise, power and con- nectivity vary at each site. Motus sta- tions at several U.S. Forest Service sites may tie into A/C power and/or
wifi for data transmission, while some sites will require battery power with a solar panel recharge and GSM cellular data transmission. Finally, we evalu- ated the needs for grounding each installation from lightning strikes.
CHRIS KELLY/NCWRC
CHRIS KELLY/NCWRC
Above: The distribution transformer on the small powerline pole to the left of the fire tower at Cowee Bald (Macon County) produced some noise interference, leading us to slightly shift the aim of our antennas. Top right: Anthony Squitieri (left) Regional Coordinator of Southern Appalachians for Wild Bird Research Group discusses the Mount Mitchell Motus station with Garrett Rhyne. This station will support WBRG’s future tagging projects in the Black Mountains.
10 2024 Wildlife Diversity Program Annual Report
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