Can you find examples of using the Motus WIldlife Tracking System to describe or study carryover effects from one season of a bird's annual cycle to another? The examples should explicitly reference the phrase "carryover" or "carryover effect."

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System has emerged as a pivotal tool in avian research, particularly in understanding the carryover effects across different seasons of a bird's annual cycle. Several studies and projects utilizing this advanced tracking network have underscored how environmental conditions and behaviors in one season can influence outcomes in subsequent seasons.

Understanding Carryover Effects

Carryover effects refer to the phenomenon where conditions or experiences during one phase of an organism's life cycle impact its performance and survival in a subsequent phase. In birds, this can encompass various aspects, including migration success, reproductive success, and overall survival rates.

Key Examples of Carryover Effects Studies

1. Drought Impact on Arctic Species

One notable instance noted in recent literature is the research provided in the document "Motus Strategy to 2030" from 2023. It highlights that the Motus network helps identify carryover effects from one part of a species' life cycle to another. For example, drought conditions affecting migration and breeding in Arctic coastal regions have been studied extensively. Researchers utilized the Motus system to track how adverse climatic conditions during breeding seasons can lead to reduced survival rates and reproductive success in the following migration period (Motus).

2. Golden-winged Warbler Migration Strategies

A study focused on the Golden-winged Warbler published by Birds Canada in September 2025 also demonstrates the Motus system's utility in understanding carryover effects. This study illustrates how the migration strategies of this species are influenced by conditions in their wintering grounds in Costa Rica and how these, in turn, affect their return and breeding success in North America. Researchers recorded that previous experiences during winter directly affected the birds' migratory timing and routes, revealing clear carryover effects (Birds Canada).

3. Wood Thrush Migration Tracking

The Iowa Motus Wildlife Tracking Network has also provided insights into carryover effects through the tracking of Wood Thrush populations. By analyzing the movements of these birds during both breeding and migration seasons, researchers identified how environmental factors such as habitat availability affected their stopover success and breeding in subsequent seasons. This study highlights the direct correlation between habitat quality during migration and reproductive outcomes in their breeding grounds, further emphasizing the carryover phenomenon (IACIO).

4. Swainson's Thrush and Migration Strategies

Additionally, resources from the Motus network include infographics discussing the Grey-cheeked Thrush and Swainson's Thrush which migrate at different times for molting. This behavior shows how timing related to environmental conditions impacts migration patterns and subsequent reproductive success, effectively illustrating carryover effects across seasons (Motus).

Conclusion

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System serves as an invaluable resource in avian research, particularly in studying carryover effects. By linking different phases of birds' annual cycles, researchers can better understand the implications of environmental changes and behaviors on avian populations. These studies not only enhance our knowledge of migratory species but also aid in conservation strategies aimed at supporting habitat management and policy development. As ongoing research continues to unveil further insights, the Motus system will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of wildlife ecology in the face of changing environmental conditions.