Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
(Oceanites oceanicus)
Peter and research partner Sue Finnegan continue to catch Wilson’s storm petrels at sea to assess molt sequence in hatch-year birds. Wilson’s Storm Petrels were captured on calm, clear days on the Atlantic Ocean off of Chatham on a commercial fishing boat. Seabirds are easily attracted by a stream of chum squeezed from the livers of freshly caught fish. The fish oil will keep the petrels in a compact group enabling capture through the use of a previously unrecorded method: a long-handled, small mesh, round, 18 inch diameter “fishing” net swept horizontally just above the sea surface to capture specimens.
Birds are identified to species, aged, and sexed if possible, and banded with stainless steel bands of the appropriate size. Flight feathers are assessed for coloration, wear, and shape. Claws are assessed for degree of wear. A small 6 x 6 mm piece of feather is snipped from the inner web near the base of primary and secondary feathers so as not to impact flight and is placed in a labeled envelope for isotope testing. After processing, birds are released on site.
Petrel is a diminutive of Peter – Saint Peter – who attempted to walk on the water, as these seabirds appear to do as they patter and feed. Hence, petrel.
