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Leach's Storm-Petrel Research on Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region, April 15, 2004
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Preparations are underway for research to be conducted this summer on Leach's Storm-Petrels at the Saddle Rock Unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Biologists hope to document the current population status of this species on Saddle Rock and develop means to monitor trends over time. In addition, basic life history information will be collected on the secretive species, which nests underground in burrows and is completely nocturnal in coming and going from breeding colonies. While Leach's Storm-Petrels are numerous in Oregon, little is known about their breeding ecology, life history, population dynamics, trends and effects of humans and predators on this species. Oregon Coast NWR Complex Biologist Dave Pitkin and South Coast Unit Refuge Manager Dave Ledig made several visits to the Saddle Rock colony during February and March to finalize the research site and design of temporary boardwalks to be installed. Due to the high burrow density and the sandy substrate, the temporary boardwalks are critical for creating platforms for researchers to work from while not eliminating any storm-petrel burrows or breeding activity. The research is greatly aided by a 19-year banding program on the rock that occurred from 1979-1997, when 8,863 birds were banded. The research will be conducted in cooperation with the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and the University of Oregon with partial funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Due to the efforts of Refuge Biologist Dave Pitkin, the U.S. Coast Guard is also a partner on this project as they provided an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter out of Astoria to sling load the boardwalk material out to the rock. Dave has developed a great working relationship with Coast Guard air stations in Oregon and they have been very supportive of flying missions with the refuge complex. The sling load mission was accomplished under beautiful weather conditions on March 31st. The USCG efforts save the refuge complex a large sum and it was the safest possible way to get the job done. Installation of the boardwalks was completed in early April.

For more information, visit the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex Web site at: http://oregoncoast.fws.gov

No contact information available. Please contact Charles Traxler, 612-713-5313, charles_traxler@fws.gov


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