Such organization must have been required to prepare for this field work. Ann is committed to gathering as much information from each captured bird as possible. This way, each capture can potentially give a wealth of raw data for other researchers to use, minimizing the need to impact the colony further. In her collaborative work, she is gathering data for the specialized research of those scientists who are at the other two study plots in the area of Spitsbergen, Norway. They are also gathering data for her specialized interests. Text messages are delivered via satellite phone regularly, and weekly calls are scheduled between these three Little Auk field teams.
The last few days would have to be considered great opportunities for the Sharpie Permanent Pen Company to expand their customer base. As the primary means to identify and recapture the study birds, Sharpies of various colors are part of each field kit. The ink from these pens lasts a few days on each bird, gradually fading with Arctic Sea foraging and molting. It is quite startling to see a Little Auk with an emerald green stripe across its breast chatting with its neighbors on a perch. We might glance up and catch a glimpse of a blue band across the mid belly of another. Each is quite lovely, among the black and white images of the rest. We only hoped they were not more likely to also be spotted by predators. Double black bands of ink identify ‘dummy logger’ birds. They have had a small pellet of the same size and mass glued on to compare the possible impact the logger itself might have on the food load intake of the birds.
So, if anyone out there has a contact with the Sharpie Company, I might consider selling some photos for a very high price. We can write up a small a advertising contract right here. All proceeds will go to a seabird research fund, after overhead costs are subtracted. It is quite expensive out here at Kap Hoegh. We are consuming vast amounts of chocolate chips (called chocolate drops here) in the trail mix, Pickwick tea, and far too many canned herring and sardines. They’re not cheap, you know.
I'm green and I've got bling! Yoohoo, ladies!
Hey, where'd you get that nice vest?
Tea time between bird captures; notice the sunshine and beach clothes?
(The blue outfits are down suits.)
Cheese anyone?