Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 07/14/2007 - 10:25
Forums
Greenland Seabird Ecology

Looking forward to seeing some great pictures and great stories. suppose to be in the 100's this weekend, lucky.

Talk with you soon.

-Matt

Mon, 07/23/2007 - 08:20

Mary Anne Pell…

Hi Matt,
I’m glad to know you’re following this expedition.  I have a few hundred photos already-landscapes, birds, birds, birds, landscapes, fog, sun, clouds.  There has been no rain, thankfully.  

Yesterday, July 19, we spent from 10 am until 9 pm at the colony getting birds by noose carpet.  After capture, blood samples had to be taken within three minutes to get corticosterone samples.  This measures the stress level the birds are under due to energy expenditures.  After three minutes this hormone level will increase due to the stress of capture.  Blood samples were taken to get a DNA analysis, and after banding, the birds were injected with doubly labeled water.  These birds will need to be recaptured within  72 hours , so attempts will be made to do this beginning this afternoon.  Continuous attempts will be made for the next 48 hours also.  

It was a very cold day, 33-35 degrees out, and with a wind off the sea ice.  But it is fascinating, and I am happy to sit on a steep slope with a breathtaking vista all around, even in the cold.

Take care, let me know about your job opportunities.
Mary Anne