Jeff Troy (Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA) and colleagues write in the journal Waterbirds on aspects of the breeding habitat of Newell's Shearwater Puffinus newelli and Hawaiian Petrel Pterodroma sandwichensis.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Small-scale environmental characteristics associated with nesting burrows of the Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) were documented in mesic and wet montane forest on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, USA.  Most plots containing burrows were located on steep slopes, ranging from 28° to 48° (median = 39°) for the Newell's Shearwater and 0° to 67° (median = 34.5°) for the Hawaiian Petrel.  Plots generally contained > 20% to 40% up to > 80% to 100% estimated vegetation cover 0–1 m above ground and > 0% to 20% up to > 60% to 80% cover 1–2 m above ground.  Plots were also associated with estimated canopy cover from > 0% to 10% up to > 80% to 90% for the Newell's Shearwater and 0% up to > 70% to 80% for the Hawaiian Petrel. Soil in Newell's Shearwater plots tended to be harder 7.62–22.86 cm below ground, which might provide increased burrow stability. Additionally, maximum vegetation height tended to be greater above Newell's Shearwater plots (median = 6.00 m) than Hawaiian Petrel plots (median = 3.25 m). Taller trees may serve as climbing structures helping Newell's Shearwaters become airborne in thickly vegetated regions that are farther from ridgelines and associated with lighter wind speeds aloft.”

Newell's Shearwater, photograph by Eric Vanderwerf

Reference:

Troy, J.R., Holmes, N.D., Joyce, T., Behnke, J.H. & Green, M.C. 2016. Characteristics associated with Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus newelli) and Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) burrows on Kauai, Hawaii, USA.  Waterbirds 39: 199-204.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 17 August 2016

Ben Dilley (Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa) and colleagues have published in the journal Polar Biology on burrow density changes of ACAP-listed White-chinned Petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis and other burrowing petrels at Marion Island after the eradication of feral cats.

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Introduced predators are one of the main threats facing seabirds breeding on oceanic islands. Cats (Felis catus) were introduced to subantarctic Marion Island (290 km²) in 1949, and by the 1970s some 2000 cats were killing about 450,000 seabirds per year, greatly reducing burrowing petrel populations.  Cats were eradicated by 1991, but house mice (Mus musculus) remain.  The densities of utilised petrel burrows were estimated in 2013 by systematically searching for their burrows in 741 10 9 10 m sample quadrats in the north-eastern sector of Marion Island, repeating the sampling design and methods used by Schramm in 1979.  The mean burrow densities and 95 % CIs were compared between surveys by species for the different habitat and vegetation types, with non-overlapping CIs considered indicative of an increase in burrow density.  With cats eradicated and the potential for immigration from nearby Prince Edward Island (free of introduced mammals), we could expect a multi-fold increase in petrel numbers over the last two decades; however, burrow densities at Marion have increased by only 56 % since 1979.  White-chinned petrels (Procellaria aequinoctialis) showed the greatest increase, despite being listed as vulnerable due to incidental mortality on fishing gear at sea.”

White-chinnd Petrels, photograph by Ben Phalan 

Reference:

Dilley, B.J., Schramm, M. & Ryan, P.G. 2016.  Modest increases in densities of burrow-nesting petrels following the removal of cats (Felis catus) from Marion Island.  Polar Biology.  doi:10.1007/s00300-016-1985-z.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer,  15 August 2016

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic Conservation Scientist to join the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) team working on marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United Kingdom Overseas Territories (UKOTs).

“The post-holder will assess the extent to which marine sites of conservation importance (marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas and Key Biodiversity Areas) in the UKOTs are covered by existing spatial protections, and compile data on the pressures these important areas face.  The post holder will also be responsible for analysing tracking data from seabirds and other marine fauna to produce detailed distribution maps in the Tristan da Cunha EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

The post-holder is expected to hold a PhD with a focus on spatial distributions of marine fauna, evidenced by a publication record in the peer-reviewed international scientific literature.  Candidates must also have experience working with and manipulating spatial data from biologgers and other sources.  Familiarity with analysis of spatial data in either R or ArcMap, or Python, will be essential.  Knowledge of marine protected areas and Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas is also an asset.

Experience in data management is essential, as is preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports for a diverse range of audiences.  The post will be desk-based and involve extensive collaboration with teams in Conservation Science and the Overseas Territories Unit of RSPB’s international programme, as well as with BirdLife International.

The post-holder will need to build and maintain collaborative relationships with key internal and external partners using high standard oral and written communications. They may need to represent the RSPB as a technical expert in a variety of internal and external fora.”

A female Tristan Albatross incubates on Gough Island, photograph by John Cooper 

Closing date: 01 September 2016.  Read more here.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 15 August 2016

Chris Gaskin (Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust, Auckland, New Zealand) and colleagues have produced a report on diving and foraging behaviour of petrels and shearwaters in New Zealand waters for the Conservation Services Programme of the New Zealand, Department of Conservation.

The report’s summary follows:

“Petrels and shearwaters are known to have an extra-ordinary ability to dive while seeking food - shearwaters for example are capable of diving to the astonishing depth of over 65 metres. This project aims to document the diving and feeding behaviour of petrels and shearwaters in response to fishing baits so as to inform future development of methods of reducing seabird bycatch. As fishing baits are attractive, there is a significant risk of fatal interactions between seabirds and commercial and recreational fishing activities. Black petrel Procellaria parkinsoni and flesh-footed shearwater Ardenna carneipes have been identified as being at high risk from commercial fisheries in New Zealand waters, particularly longline fisheries that target snapper and bluenose, in addition to interactions with recreational fishers. This threat is most pronounced during the breeding season as these species migrate out of New Zealand waters during winter. The initial two-day trial documented in this report was designed to test a camera rig and underwater diver as methods of recording the diving behaviour of seabirds. The trial was conducted on two days (31 March and 4 April 2016) in the area between Hauturu and Cape Rodney/Tawharanui using equipment custom-made for this project. An underwater camera rig consisting of an adjustable array of seven GoPro+ cameras was deployed from the stern of an 11m boat. The cameras were angled with overlapping camera sets to provide a wide field of view of both near-surface and underwater activity. This rig was supplemented by video and still photography using a fixed deck camera, a diver and underwater camera, and at one location a snorkeler with a GoPro. Baits of cut pilchard and squid were dropped within two metres of the camera rig. Conditions on both trial days were not ideal with relatively poor visibility, moderate swell and strong winds at times. In addition the timing of the trial at the end of the breeding season for both back petrel and flesh-footed shearwater meant that relatively few birds were present and there was little competition for baits. During 4.7 hours of filming over the course of the two days we witnessed the interaction of nine seabird species with baits or with other seabirds attracted to bait: fluttering shearwater, fleshfooted shearwater, black petrel, Buller’s shearwaters, black-backed gull, red-billed gull, Cook’s petrel, Australasian gannet and Arctic skua. A total of 415 individual dives were [sic] recorded during the survey period.  Several feeding behaviours were observed. These included flying dives, surface sighting and seizing, duck dives, short dives and prolonged foraging dives. Birds were seen to investigate baits while underwater and, on a number of occasions, reject them. The birds were also highly maneuverable underwater and capable of changing direction with ease. During this successful initial trial investigating the diving behaviour of at-risk petrels and shearwaters, we made novel discoveries regarding the interactions of these species underwater and their diving capabilities, including: 1) Bait preferences differ between species; 2) Seabird species have different diving inclinations; and 3) Heterospecific interactions around a prey source. The present study shows that the use of a multi-frame camera apparatus and diver with camera is effective in better understanding the behaviour of petrels and shearwater in interactions with bait and fishing lines. This method can be applied to more in-depth and scientifically controlled studies related to bait preferences, diving and visual acuity, and interactions between seabird species and fishing apparatus. This information is critical in mitigating fisheries by-catch and provides important data for better understanding the at-sea biology of seabirds. We propose a series of further trials be conducted in November/December 2016 using both recreational and commercial fishing vessels. In addition to using and extending the current methodology, we propose the use of an ROV to film a commercial boat setting and hauling nonhooked baited long-lines. We also propose using the camera rig suspended from a buoy to attempt to film natural seabird feeding activity within an active ‘work-up’ (ie. birds feeding in association with fish-schools).”

Black Petrel, photograph by 'Biz' Bell

Reference:

Gaskin, C.P., Ross, J.R. Robinson, R. & Friesen, M.R. 2016.  Diving & Foraging Behaviour of Petrels & Shearwaters – Initial Trials.  Prepared for the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation.  Auckland: Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust.  25 pp.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 12 August 2016