Worldwide, shorebirds are some of the most endangered migratory species, especially the rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus). Global change (e.g., human development, habitat loss, climate variability, sea level rise) has a significant impact on Red Knot populations, generating threats throughout their flyway. Since the initial decline of Red Knot populations in the late 1990s, research has been conducted to understand the threats Red Knots face and inform management actions to protect and aid in the recovery of these migratory birds. Shorebird physiology, especially for Red Knots, however, places limitations on attachment methods for long retention of tags. For this reason, we report on the novel use of satellite tags attached to Red Knots in the Atlantic Flyway using a new glue and suture method and describe this new methodology for tag attachment. Our results showed that tags attached with the glue and suture method versus only glue stayed on the bird 142% longer in year 1 and 162–320% longer in year 2 (depending on the tag type), with a tag retention time of up to 5 months. The glue and suture attachment method is a successful tag attachment method for migratory shorebirds, especially for species where other methods cause adverse effects. This method provides long-term retention of the tag without causing negative impacts to migration, survival, or breeding. With advances in transmitter technology, this is the best available method for longer retention time for these satellite tags.

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