Catherine E. Meathrel

A new method for the long-term attachment of data-loggers to shearwaters (Procellariidae)

Abstract Recent advances in tracking technology (i.e. smaller and lighter devices) have enabled long deployments, of up to 12 months or more, on shearwaters (Procellariidae). These deployments have been successfully used to examine migration patterns, wintering sites and non-breeding ranges as well as at-sea activity. Hence, an effective method for the long-term deployment of tracking devices that is able to withstand UV radiation, saltwater immersion and terrestrial abrasion while reducing any adverse effects of the attachment of the logger to the bird is needed. Here, a method for attaching global location-sensing (GLS) data-loggers to Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) on a modified aluminium band is described. GLS loggers were attached for 12 months from the 2007–08 austral summer and 74% of geolocated birds returned the following season compared with a slightly higher rate of 82.5% for birds with no loggers attached. Body mass between birds with and without loggers was not significantly different in the short or long term. No adverse injuries to the birds were observed. We believe the application of this method with its high rate of return can be applied to all species of shearwater and will not only assist researchers in future tracking studies but help minimise any adverse effects the logger has on the birds’ behaviour.