A new method for catching wilson’s storm petrels oceanites oceanicus at sea

Abstract

Catching oceanic birds is challenging for researchers interested in studying migration and feeding dynamics. To address that challenge, we evaluated a new method for catching Wilson’s Storm Petrels Oceanites oceanicus at sea. Using an extended butterfly net and a sweeping technique, we successfully captured 50 sub-adult and adult storm petrels offshore in the Northwest Atlantic with a 94% success rate. All were processed without sign of physical trauma or injury; 100% flew off in apparently good condition. This method provides a cost-effective and safe approach for the capture and study of small oceanic birds attracted to fish slicks.