A Bird’s Eye View

Tracking Migratory Species for Science & Education

Least Bittern #58175 flew from Canada to Florida in a matter of days. How did it know the time was right? Subtle cues in wind and pressure may have guided its journey. Students are on the case, using real-world tracking data from a powerful network that follows the hidden journeys of migratory bats, birds, and butterflies. Thanks to a partnership between Reserves and a global network of wildlife monitoring stations, these interactive “data mysteries” are sparking curiosity, inspiring stewardship, and connecting classrooms to the science of migration.

“These mysteries transform raw tracking data into stories that capture imagination, foster critical thinking, and connect local students to global conservation,” says Lori Davis, education coordinator at the North Carolina Reserve. “By following a tagged least bittern, students step into the role of scientist—analyzing data, exploring ecology and geography, and cultivating a deeper sense of stewardship for the natural world.”

These educational experiences were made possible by a multi-Reserve initiative linking the Reserve System to Motus, a global tracking network that uses radio technology to follow migratory species across continents. Funded by a NERRS Science Collaborative grant, the project is uncovering the role of coastal habitats—like those in the Reserve System—in sustaining these long-distance travelers.

Since 2017, participating Reserves have been building Motus towers that create a cost-effective monitoring system. These towers engage local volunteers, generate data for conservation science, and stand as visible reminders of migration’s marvels. Each tagged species detected tells a story, and in sharing those stories, Reserves bring conservation to life for communities.

“Motus is a powerful tool for tracking migratory species. This passive tracking network enables researchers, citizen scientists, and conservationists to engage with and monitor migratory animals, providing critical insights into key locations, movement patterns, and habitat requirements across a wide range of species,” says Marae West, project lead. “By expanding the Motus network within the Reserve System, the significance of these sites can be highlighted and integrated into their important conservation work.”

New monitoring towers at the Narragansett Bay Reserve in Rhode Island, the Weeks Bay Reserve in Alabama, the Grand Bay Reserve in Mississippi, and the Kachemak Bay Reserve in Alaska are strengthening the System’s reach. Together, these towers expand a national network that sharpens our picture of migration and multiplies opportunities for public engagement.

Every tower increases the resolution of data scientists can gather as species move across landscapes. And just as importantly, they create direct touchpoints for communities and classrooms to explore conservation science.

The power of the Motus network lies in its design: shared data from dozens of locations combine to illuminate the hidden lives of migratory species. The Reserves are uniquely suited to this role, with their long-term conservation mission and wide geographic spread. Together, they form a living network of stopovers—places that birds and butterflies depend on, and that students can now explore through real-world science.