Sam

master's student @ USM, seabirds, biology, ecology, photography

[Sam @sam_albright_]

@NOAASBNMS Thanks! I'll send you a direct message!

[Sam @sam_albright_]

Many #LeachsStormPetrel (LHSP) colonies in the #GulfOfMaine are small and hard to access. We deployed passive acoustic recording devices, game cameras, and GPS tags to get a picture of behavioral patterns on Petit Manan Island (PMI) and Metinic Island (MET). #WSTC7 #ToolSesh2

[Sam @sam_albright_]

@cbzavalaga Thanks! It seems like in general they vocalize less when it is bright out. That may be to avoid predation but I'm not sure!

[Sam @sam_albright_]

@MaxBFournier And of course, the question always is, do more vocalizations mean more birds are present? Or just that the birds that are present are being more vocal?

[Sam @sam_albright_]

@MaxBFournier That's one hypothesis! I'd really like to know if they ever come and go from the colonies earlier in the night. They certainly seem to be driven somewhat by light but also like they might have a pretty strong circadian rhythm.

[Sam @sam_albright_]

Once at sea, GPS tagged foraging adults were attracted to areas of high temperature gradient (darker blue). Tracks during day (yellow) and at night (black). These data suggest that LHSP are nocturnal in the colony but active both day & night when foraging. #WSTC7 #ToolSesh2

[Sam @sam_albright_]

LHSP not vocal during day. GAMs show vocal activity on MET peaked 1:30 - 2:30 am. Vocal peaks = time when GPS tracks show birds coming & going from colonies. Conclusion: vocalizations depend on time & moon fullness, possibly on # of birds present. #WSTC7 #ToolSesh2

[Sam @sam_albright_]

and now testing with a picture of my cat who thinks it is not time to work.

[Sam @sam_albright_]

Test tweet with a video before this afternoon's twitter conference presentation.