Red Knot Tracking
In the Southeast
Red Knots are federally threatened shorebirds that rely on the South Carolina–Georgia coast during their spring migration. This southeast US stretch is a critical stopover for these vulnerable birds traveling from their wintering grounds in the Caribbean, along the Gulf of Mexico, the northern coast of South America, and even as far as the southern tip of South America.
Before continuing their journey to breeding grounds above the Arctic Circle, Red Knots spend several weeks along the Southeast coast. Here, they feed intensively on invertebrates (notably horseshoe crab eggs) to double their body weight, molt into their striking breeding plumage, and rest in preparation for the next leg of their migration.
To support conservation efforts, a collaborative partnership between government agencies, NGOs, and universities is tracking movements and activities of Red Knots in the Southeast and beyond. These efforts provide essential data that help guide protection strategies for this declining species.
Partners:
Funders:
The Environmental Resources Network (TERN)
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
South Carolina Coastal Bird Conservation Fund
State Wildlife Grants (SWG)
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Georgia Coastal Bird Ambassadors
Other contributors:
Town of Kiawah Island- Shorebird Steward Program
Seabrook Island Birders- Shorebird Steward Program
Follow the 2025 Red Knot cohort!
In Spring 2025, 27 satellites were deployed on Red Knots migrating through the Southeast with publicly available tracks!
This is an exciting opportunity to track Red Knots in real time as they migrate to their breeding grounds and back down south through an easy to use mobile app. Click below to get started!
Navigate to the tracking instructions
Sign up for updates!
(By filling out your name and email below, we can send you periodic updates on the tracking status and locations of the satellite-tagged Red Knots)