Feeding and breeding ecology of little auks in Hornsund, Spitsbergen
We are going to examine multiple parameters of breeding ecology of the little auk, a bird being considered a keystone species of the Arctic ecosystem. We will perform the study in Hornsund, the breeding site being considered ecologically representative for the species, and having series of long-term research on the little auk already well established. Examining various parameters of breeding performance of the little auk in three consecutive years, we will compare collected data with analogical one collected in the past (2001-2016). This will allow us to evaluate the effect of the ongoing climate changes on the breeding performance of the species. Additionally, we will examine in detail the inter-individual differences between breeders, that have been reported previously, but their causality is not understood.
We will study following parameters: phenology, overall breeding success, frequency of feedings and duration of foraging trips, chick diet, adults and chick body condition, and chick begging behaviour. To monitor phenology and breeding success, we will monitor non-invasively the group of 50 nests (by checking the current status: presence/absence of egg/chick every three days). Of these 50 nests we will randomly choice 30 nests to examine: chick growth and body condition, food provisioning rate, and begging behaviour. For that purpose we will measure and weight the chicks every three days between hatching and fledgling. Additionally, at the age of 20th day of life, we will collect from them a small blood sample to evaluate their health, nutrition state, and their sex (DNA-based). To establish the feeding rate and duration of foraging trips we will mark both parents (using a standard ornithological colour rings) and follow their nest visit using camera (set up in a 10 m distance from the nest). While marking the parents we will measure and weight them, and collect a small blood sample to establish their body condition, health, nutrition state, as well as their sex. To monitor begging behaviour we will insert miniature microphones and record chicks voices using dictaphone (placed outsite the nest). We will also perform a cross-fostering experiment to control for a possible effect of parents identity on the chick growth rate, body condition and vocalization. Finally, to examine the chick diet in given season, we will collect food samples from 30 adults captured in noose carpet in the colony during the chick-rearing period and gently scooped out the content of their gular pouch. We will also take three body feathers for further DNA-based sexing.
Replacement: It is impossible to obtain the data without studying the species in its wild natural conditions. Reduction: We reduced the number of sampled individuals at each parameter to the minimum required by the scientific purposes. Refinement: We will handle the birds fast (we are all experienced field-workers), and released them in the place of the capture immediately after procedure (max 10 min. of handling). For blood sampling, we will use sterile disposable equipment will be used, and we will take a minimal amount of blood, which is safe for the birds.
We will study following parameters: phenology, overall breeding success, frequency of feedings and duration of foraging trips, chick diet, adults and chick body condition, and chick begging behaviour. To monitor phenology and breeding success, we will monitor non-invasively the group of 50 nests (by checking the current status: presence/absence of egg/chick every three days). Of these 50 nests we will randomly choice 30 nests to examine: chick growth and body condition, food provisioning rate, and begging behaviour. For that purpose we will measure and weight the chicks every three days between hatching and fledgling. Additionally, at the age of 20th day of life, we will collect from them a small blood sample to evaluate their health, nutrition state, and their sex (DNA-based). To establish the feeding rate and duration of foraging trips we will mark both parents (using a standard ornithological colour rings) and follow their nest visit using camera (set up in a 10 m distance from the nest). While marking the parents we will measure and weight them, and collect a small blood sample to establish their body condition, health, nutrition state, as well as their sex. To monitor begging behaviour we will insert miniature microphones and record chicks voices using dictaphone (placed outsite the nest). We will also perform a cross-fostering experiment to control for a possible effect of parents identity on the chick growth rate, body condition and vocalization. Finally, to examine the chick diet in given season, we will collect food samples from 30 adults captured in noose carpet in the colony during the chick-rearing period and gently scooped out the content of their gular pouch. We will also take three body feathers for further DNA-based sexing.
Replacement: It is impossible to obtain the data without studying the species in its wild natural conditions. Reduction: We reduced the number of sampled individuals at each parameter to the minimum required by the scientific purposes. Refinement: We will handle the birds fast (we are all experienced field-workers), and released them in the place of the capture immediately after procedure (max 10 min. of handling). For blood sampling, we will use sterile disposable equipment will be used, and we will take a minimal amount of blood, which is safe for the birds.