I wanted to know approximately what decade they began to neck collar geese as a way of recording movement. If you would happen to know, I would appreciate it. Thank you, Steve Dotson

Hi Stephen!

It was actually quite difficult to track down an exact date when neck collars were first introduced as a way of recording waterfowl movement. Based on my search efforts, and speaking with a local retired waterfowl biologist, we figure that neck collars were introduced for the purpose of scientific research in the late 50’s and into the 60’s. Back then, different materials were initially experimented with such as plexiglas, aluminum, and rubber. I came across a study that used aluminum collars in the McConnell River Area of the NWT between 1966 and 1969. Plexiglas was also used on a snow goose study during 1969 at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. In comparison to the plastic collars we use today, you can see they have come a long way!

Hope this helps Stephen!

Sincerely,

Carly Michie -
Delta Waterfowl Biologist
http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/research/aab/032_collars.php