Black Guillemot Cepphus Grylle Research Articles

Long-term impact on the breeding birds of a semi-offshore island-based wind farm in Åland, Northern Baltic Sea

Breeding bird populations were monitored at a wind farm in the Båtskär area of the southern Åland archipelago in 2006–2017. The area is situated in the outer archipelago and comprises four islands with six wind turbines in total. The wind turbines began operating in autumn 2007. An environmental impact assessment for the area was conducted in 2002. A control area called Stenarna, located 22 km NW of Båtskär, was used for comparison. The Båtskär area annually recorded 850–1,050 pairs of breeding birds. Four species showed significantly decreasing trends in Båtskär, namely the Common Eider Somateria mollissima, Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, Herring Gull L. argentatus , and Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. In Stenarna, only the Common Eider significantly decreased over the same period. The Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea increased in both areas, while the Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca, Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, Common Gull Larus canus, Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus, and White Wagtail Motacilla alba increased in Stenarna, the control area. The Herring Gull population decline is unlikely to be related to the wind farm. However, the proximity of a wind turbine to a breeding colony of the Lesser Black-backed Gull has most likely contributed to its decline. The reason for the Black Guillemot decline in Båtskär is unknown. The decline of Common Eider in both areas may be connected to increasing predation from White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla. Some species, such as the House Martin Delichon urbicum and auks, have benefitted from the wind farm construction. They can utilize new microhabitats created by the construction, while other species, such as the Common Eider, gain protection against predation because of human activities.

Behavioural responses of non-breeding waterbirds to marine traffic in the near-shore environment

ABSTRACT Capsule Recording of behavioural responses to ferry traffic for 11 target species showed that Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata, Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auratus, and Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica were most likely to react to passing vessels. Aim To provide information on how responses to marine traffic vary between waterbird species to inform marine spatial planning and environmental impact assessments in the near-shore environment. Methods We recorded behavioural responses to ferry traffic for 11 target species in near-shore waters: Common Eider Somateria mollissima, Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis, Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca, Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver Gavia immer, Red-throated Diver, European Shag Gulosus aristotelis, Slavonian Grebe and Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. Responses were analysed using generalized linear models and mixed models. Results Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver and Slavonian Grebe were the most likely species to exhibit a response to passing vessels. While Red-throated Divers and Slavonian Grebes were highly likely to flush, Black-throated Divers and Great Northern Divers rarely took flight, instead favouring swim or dive responses. In rougher sea conditions birds were more likely to take flight, and the propensity to respond declined across the wintering period. Conclusions This research provides comparative evidence on the behavioural responses of waterbirds to marine traffic. The results support previous studies which highlighted the high sensitivity of diver species to disturbance and provide new evidence that Slavonian Grebe may also be a high sensitivity species.

Tidal stream use by black guillemots Cepphus grylle in relation to a marine renewable energy development

Seabirds that forage within tidal streams may be vulnerable to collision or habitat change due to tidal stream turbines. The black guillemot Cepphus grylle is considered to be the seabird species most at risk from tidal stream turbines in UK waters. Using GPS tracking of adult breeding black guillemots, carried out on the island of Stroma, Caithness, in 2016 and 2017, we examined habitat use within the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth in relation to the MeyGen tidal lease area (MTLA). We found foraging areas of black guillemots within the Inner Sound to be influenced by tidal velocity and seafloor depth. The velocities and depths which black guillemots selected while foraging within a 1 km boundary of the lease area significantly differed from those concurrently occurring within the MTLA (velocities: foraging = 0.79 m s-1, MTLA = 1.57 m s-1; depths: foraging = 24.55 m, MTLA = 32.09 m). This disparity between the used habitat and the conditions within the MTLA may indicate a reduced potential for interactions with turbines. The potential for collision with turbine blades is further reduced by black guillemots predominantly associating with mean tidal velocities slower than the 1 m s-1 cut-in speeds of the MeyGen turbines. However, as more turbines are constructed within the lease area (up to 398 turbines proposed), habitat and hydrodynamic conditions may be altered to become more suitable for foraging, so monitoring black guillemot foraging behaviour post-construction is strongly recommended.

Contrasting assemblages of seabirds in the subglacial meltwater plume and oceanic water of Bowdoin Fjord, northwestern Greenland

AbstractIn Greenland, tidewater glaciers discharge turbid subglacial freshwater into fjords, forming plumes near the calving fronts, and these areas serve as an important foraging habitat for seabirds. To investigate the effect of subglacial discharge on the foraging assemblages of surface feeders and divers in a glacial fjord, we conducted boat-based seabird surveys, near-surface zooplankton samplings, and hydrographic measurements at Bowdoin Fjord, northwestern Greenland in July. Foraging surface feeders (black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus, and northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis) aggregated within a plume-affected area in front of Bowdoin Glacier. This area was characterized by highly turbid subglacial meltwater and abundant large-sized zooplankton including Calanus hyperboreus, chaetognaths, and ctenophores near the surface. Surface feeders fed on these aggregated prey presumably transported to the surface by strong upwelling of subglacial meltwater. In contrast, divers (little auk Alle alle, thick-billed murre Uria lomvia, and black guillemot Cepphus grylle) foraged outside the fjord, where turbidity was low and jellyfish and Calanus copepods dominated under the influence of Atlantic water. Our study indicates spatial segregation between surface feeders and divers in a glacial fjord; surface feeders are not hindered by turbidity if taking prey at the surface, whereas divers need clear water.

Temporal trends of legacy organochlorines in eggs of Canadian Arctic seabirds monitored over four decades

We compared temporal trends of legacy organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in eggs of five seabird species breeding at Prince Leopold Island in the Canadian high Arctic. Concentrations of most of the major organochlorine groups/compounds have either declined (e.g. Σ35PCB, ΣDDT, ΣCBz, ΣCHL, octachlorostyrene) or shown no consistent directional change (e.g. heptachlor epoxide) since 1975 in eggs of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia), northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) and black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). Aside from β-HCH, which increased in most species, the major organochlorine compounds either declined or showed no trend between 1993 and 2013 in eggs of five seabird species (thick-billed murre, northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, black guillemot Cepphus grylle, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus). Most of the declines occurred during the 1970s to 1990s followed by little change during the 2000s. Glaucous gull eggs had the highest concentrations of almost all organochlorines in the five years compared (1993, 1998, 2003/04, 2008, 2013), and murre eggs generally had among the lowest concentrations. The primary organochlorines found in eggs of all five species were Σ35PCB, ΣDDT (mainly p,p′-DDE), ΣCBz (mainly hexachlorobenzene) and ΣCHL (mainly oxychlordane) although proportions varied by species and year. The major PCB congeners found in eggs of all five species were CB-153, -138, -118 and -180. The penta-, hexa- and heptachlorobiphenyl homologs comprised the largest proportion of Σ35PCB in all five species. Although levels of most legacy organochlorines have declined since 1975, the potential for climate change to alter chemical transport pathways as well as exposure pathways in the biotic environment could affect temporal trends. Therefore, it is important to continue to monitor these legacy contaminants in order to determine how these changes will affect the temporal trends observed to date.

Seasonal vessel activity risk to seabirds in waters off Baffin Island, Canada

Millions of seabirds use the waters off Baffin Island. Considering current and future vessel activity in this region, it is important to understand where vulnerability to anthropogenic threats is highest to enable sound wildlife management and regulatory decisions. Using kernel density analysis on at-sea survey data spanning 1970 to 1983 and 2007 to 2016, we identified marine areas of high density for five of the most abundant species sighted: Dovekie Alle alle, Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia, Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis and Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle, in summer (June–August) and fall (September–November). We quantified the level of vessel activity from vessel traffic data spanning 2011 to 2015. Overlapping these data layers, we identified regions where high vessel activity posed the highest risk to these species. Navy Board Inlet, Eclipse Sound, Frobisher Bay, Hudson Strait and the northern Labrador Shelf were consistently identified as areas of highest risk to multiple species of seabirds in summer and autumn. These waters not only encompass important summer foraging areas near colonies and post-breeding/migratory habitat but are also frequently navigated by vessels servicing busy communities. The level of vessel activity we found for the study area is relatively low compared to waters where many Arctic species overwinter (e.g., Thick-billed Murres off Newfoundland and Labrador). However, identifying current high-risk areas in Arctic waters is important for the conservation and management of Arctic seabirds as industrial and commercial development in this region expands and leads to higher levels of vessel activity.

The ecology of Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle grylle chicks in the Baltic Sea region: insights into their diet, survival, nest predation and moment of fledging

ABSTRACTCapsule: The diet of Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle grylle chicks in the Baltic Sea region was dominated by Viviparous Eelpout Zoarces viviparus. Risk of nest predation by avian and mammalian predators was perceived to be low, and hatching and fledging success were high.Aims: To gain insight into the ecology of nestling Black Guillemots in the Baltic Sea region to fill knowledge gaps and benefit its conservation.Methods: Two island groups in the Baltic Sea were visited several times during the breeding season of 2014 and 2015 to monitor nestling survival and fledging. In addition, camera traps were used in 2014 to monitor prey brought to chicks by adults and record possible nest predation events.Results: Hatching success was 0.89 and 0.73 in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and fledging success was very high (0.95 and 0.97). No incidences of avian or mammalian predation were observed. Chicks fledged at night between 32 and 38 days after hatching. Viviparous Eelpout made up 95% of the prey items brought to the chicks by adults.Conclusions: The hatching rate and fledging rate of the Black Guillemot was high in our study region. Juveniles seemed highly dependent on the availability of eelpout. Changes in the abundance of this species may therefore have negative effects on chick survival.

Persistent organic pollutant and mercury concentrations in eggs of ground-nesting marine birds in the Canadian high Arctic

We collected eggs of eight marine bird species from several colony sites in the Canadian high Arctic located at approximately 76°N and analyzed them for concentrations of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury. We provide the first report on concentrations of POPs in eggs of three Arctic species (Thayer's gull Larus thayeri, Sabine's gull Xema sabini, Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea), and we found significant differences in each of the POP profiles among the five species with sufficient data for statistical comparisons (Thayer's gull, black guillemot Cepphus grylle, Sabine's gull, Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea and common eider Somateria mollissima borealis). The Ross's Gull had unexpectedly high POP concentrations relative to the other species examined, although this was based on a single egg, while glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus eggs from our sampling location had very low POPs. Sabine's gulls had the lowest Hg of the eggs studied, consistent with their low trophic position, but concentrations of their legacy POPs were higher than expected. We also noted that total hexachlorocyclohexanes were higher than reported elsewhere in the circumpolar Arctic in three species.

The status of breeding seabirds on the Isle of Tiree, Argyll, 2004-13

Annual monitoring of breeding seabirds on the Isle of Tiree 2004-13 revealed significant declines in the numbers of Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis, Common Guillemot Uria aalge, Razorbill Alca torda and Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla at the main seabird colony of Ceann a' Mhara. Numbers of Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus also declined significantly across the island over the same period, whilst numbers of Common Gull L. canus increased significantly. Most other breeding seabirds including European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis, Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle, Little Tern Sternula albifrons, Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea and Black-headed Gull Croicocephalus ridibundus remained stable or showed non-significant declines. Breeding was confirmed for the first time on Tiree by single pairs of Great Skua Stercorarius skua and Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica. Annual estimates of breeding success were recorded for six species. There were complete breeding failures of Black-legged Kittiwake in 2007-08, Arctic Tern in 2004-05 and Little Tern in 2006, although all three species had higher breeding success in 2009-13.

Perfluorinated Sulfonate and Carboxylate Compounds in Eggs of Seabirds Breeding in the Canadian Arctic: Temporal Trends (1975–2011) and Interspecies Comparison

Perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) and perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs), as well as selected precursor compounds, were measured in eggs of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Prince Leopold Island in the Canadian Arctic between 1975 and 2011 as well as in eggs of three additional species (black guillemot Cepphus grylle, black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus) sampled in 2008. ΣPFCA concentrations increased significantly from 1975 to 2011 in the murre and fulmar eggs at an average annual rate of 0.56 and 0.91 ng g(-1) ww, respectively, whereas perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations did not change significantly. The interspecies comparison of eggs sampled in 2008 found that black guillemots had the highest PFOS and lowest ΣPFCA levels, and northern fulmars had the highest ΣPFCA levels. PFUnA (C(11)) and PFTrA (C(13)) were the predominant PFCAs measured in eggs of all five species except for the black guillemot where PFDA (C(10)) contributed almost equally with PFTrA (C(13)) to the PFCA profile. Based on published toxicity thresholds, levels of neither perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) nor PFOS in seabird eggs from the Canadian Arctic are of toxicological concern. These are the first interspecies comparisons for PFASs in seabirds from the Canadian Arctic.

Extending an indicator: year-round information on seabird trophic ecology from multiple-tissue stable-isotope analyses

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 461:233-243 (2012) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09835 Extending an indicator: year-round information on seabird trophic ecology from multiple-tissue stable-isotope analyses Keith A. Hobson1,*, Alexander L. Bond1,2 1Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3H5, Canada 2Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2, Canada *Email: keith.hobson@ec.gc.ca ABSTRACT: Stable isotope analysis of tissues of seabirds and their prey has proven to be an extremely useful tool in seabird dietary studies in general and in the potential use of seabirds as ecological indicators in particular. The measurement of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values is important since they provide information on source of feeding and trophic position, respectively. However, the stable isotope approach provides information on spatial and trophic ecology of seabirds during a window of temporal integration that depends on the elemental turnover rate in the tissue being measured. Most researchers have relied on only 1 or 2 tissue types to study seabird diets and foraging ecology. Here, the potential for modeling trophic position and habitat use by seabirds over the annual cycle is demonstrated by using multiple tissues from the same individual. Isotopic measurements of bone collagen provide information integrated over the lifetime of the individual and those of feathers during the post-breeding molt period. Analysis of liver provides information integrated over the previous week and that of muscle integrated over a few months. We developed multi-tissue trophic models for thick-billed murre Uria lomvia, dovekie Alle alle, black guillemot Cepphus grylle, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus, northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis, black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, and ivory gull Pagophila eburnea using the Northwater Polynya in Northern Baffin Bay, 1998 to 1999. The careful application of stable isotope methods to a spectrum of tissue types represents a powerful means of extending our ability to investigate diet and potentially to use seabirds as ecological indicators. KEY WORDS: Stable isotopes · Carbon-13 · Nitrogen-15 · Seabirds · Temporal integration Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Hobson KA, Bond AL (2012) Extending an indicator: year-round information on seabird trophic ecology from multiple-tissue stable-isotope analyses. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 461:233-243. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09835 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 461. Online publication date: August 08, 2012 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2012 Inter-Research.

Low or no occurrence of extra-pair paternity in the Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

We investigated extra-pair paternity (EPP) among 46 young in 32 broods of 19 social pairs of Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle, using a combination of three polymorphic microsatellite markers. The analysis was based on blood samples collected over eight years from a population of individually colour-ringed birds in North Norway. All chicks shared an allele on all three loci with both social parents. Hence, there were no cases of extra-pair parentage. Given our sample sizes, the upper 95% confidence limit of EPP was estimated to 6.2% of the young and 8.9% of the broods. Among seven extra chicks, for which we lacked a DNA sample from the social mother, there was one case of genotype mismatch with the social father, but this could also be because of egg dumping. Low occurrence of EPP has now been documented in five of the six species of Atlantic auks.

Formation of a bird community on a new island, Surtsey, Iceland

The present paper summarizes bird observations from Surtsey, iceland since the formation of the island in 1963 until 2008. Continuous observations were maintained in the early years of the island; in spring and autumn 1967–1971 and summers 1970–1973. Since then much of the bird observations are incidental by various scientists and bird watchers visiting the island for a limited period. Different aspects of the bird fauna are examined, the at-sea bird community, vagrants, migrant species, and winter birds, while emphasis is placed on the formation of the breeding bird community. With increasing numbers of breeding species and size of breeding populations as the years passed more structured census of the breeders was needed. Hence whole island censuses were organized in 1990 and 2003. Ringing has been carried out on five occasions. in total 91 bird species have been recorded on or offshore from the island. The first birds started breeding in 1970, Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle and Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis. A total of fourteen species have since bred on the island. Four species of large gulls breed (mostly in one colony); Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (bred first in 1974), Herring Gull Larus argentatus (1981), Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (~1985), and Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (1993). The colony, starting to form in 1984, has been particularly important for furthering the development of plant and invertebrate communities. Through the fertilizing agency complete vegetation cover is now found in the oldest part of the gull colony. This development has paved the way for terrestrial birds to start breeding; Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis (1996), Greylag Goose Anser anser (~2001) and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis (~2003). other breeding species are kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (1975) and White Wagtail Motacilla alba (~2003), but Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea (1975) has not bred since 1978. in 1990 the island had 316 breeding pairs of six species. in 2003 eleven species bred on the island with a total of about 850 breeding pairs. After 2003 two more species have started breeding, Common Puffin Fratercula arctica (2004) and Raven Corvus corax (2008). Surtsey island was entered on the UNESCo World Heritage list in 2008, not the least for the long history of research and monitoring of various aspects of the island’s natural history. As the breeding bird fauna develops a structured bird monitoring program becomes the more important. Recommendations on how this should be carried out are presented in the paper.

The distribution and abundance of seabirds off southwestern Greenland in autumn and winter 1988?1989

Ship-based surveys of seabirds were carried out off southwestern Greenland in the autumn of 1988 and winter of 1989. The results provide the first quantitative information on seabird distribution and numbers for single seasons and estimates for one particular area in winter. Some oceanographic habitat characteristics important for seabird distribution are described. In winter, high numbers of king eiders Somaleriaspectabilis, Brunnich's guillemots Urialomvia, glaucous gulls Larushyperboreus, Iceland gulls Larusglaucoides, great black-backed gulls Larusmarinus and black guillemots Cepphusgrylle were found in offshore habitats with heavy ice cover. An estimated 280,000 king eiders, 170,000 Brunnich's guillemots, 2,500 glaucous gulls, 7,000 Iceland gulls, 9,500 great black-backed gulls and 25,000 black guillemots were found in winter in an area west of Nuuk.

The distribution and abundance of seabirds off southwestern Greenland in autumn and winter 1988–1989

Ship-based surveys of seabirds were carried out off southwestern Greenland in the autumn of 1988 and winter of 1989. The results provide the first quantitative information on seabird distribution and numbers for single seasons and estimates for one particular area in winter. Some oceanographic habitat characteristics important for seabird distribution are described. In winter, high numbers of king eiders Somaleriaspectabilis, Brünnich's guillemots Urialomvia, glaucous gulls Larushyperboreus, Iceland gulls Larusglaucoides, great black-backed gulls Larusmarinus and black guillemots Cepphusgrylle were found in offshore habitats with heavy ice cover. An estimated 280,000 king eiders, 170,000 Brünnich's guillemots, 2,500 glaucous gulls, 7,000 Iceland gulls, 9,500 great black-backed gulls and 25,000 black guillemots were found in winter in an area west of Nuuk.

Summer diet of seabirds from the Frans Josef Land archipelago, Russian Arctic

Food samples from 102 seabirds from eight species (fulmar Fulmarus glacialis, common eider Somateria mollissima, glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus, kittiwake Rissa tridaayla, arctic tern Sterna paradisaea, Briinnich's guillemot Uria lorn via, black guillemot Cepphus grylle, little auk Alle alle) were collected during the period August 1991–1993 in the southern part of the Frans Josef Land archipelago, 80°N, 53°E. The pelagic amphipod Parathemisto libellula and polar cod Boreogadus saida were the two most commonly taken food items (frequency of occurrence over 50% and weight contribution more than 70%). Ice-associated crustaceans contributed to some 10% of the weight in the samples. In general, the food composition was very similar to that reported from Svalbard. However, birds from Frans Josef Land fed on a lower diversity of prey compared to Svalbard populations.

Sjöfågelbeståndets utveckling i Bullerö skärgård efter invandring av mink

Population sizes were followed in some waterbird species breeding in the outer part of the Stockholm archipelago in the brackish Baltic Sea. Pair numbers were censused during four years by counts of nests or adult birds attached to potential breeding sites. The Mink Mustela vison appeared in the inner part in 1972 and reached the outer island groups ten years later. During the period there were relatively large population changes, the Eider Somateria mollissima, the Greylag Goose Anser anser and the Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus increased markedly in numbers while the Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, the Razorbill Alca torda and the Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle decreased dramatically. The increases as well as the decrease of the Lesser Black-backed Gull were consistent with general trends in the Baltic. The temporal and spatial pattern of the decrease of the Razorbill and the Black Guillemot, both specialised hole-nesters, strongly support the conclusion that the predation of the Mink is the main reason. For the marked distribution shift within the study area noted for the Eider and the Herring Gull Larus argentatus, Mink predation is also suspected.

Fluctuations in Numbers and Activity of Inshore Demersal Fishes in Shetland

Prey populations, patterns of availability, and dispersion of prey can have farreaching effects on numbers and range-sizes of terrestrial Carnivora (Macdonald, 1983; Kruuk & Parish, 1982; Kruuk & Macdonald, 1985). These parameters may therefore also affect populations of otters Lutra lutra, living in the sea around Shetland, U.K., as well as populations of fish-eating birds there. This paper presents observations on fluctuations in numbers and activity of several species of demersal fish, over a 3½ year period, along a coast in Shetland. It aims to provide information on the distribution and availability of these species to some predators, especially to the otter, but also to the heron Ardea cinerea, the black guillemot Cepphus grylle and others.