DOP researcher came to Corvo

Verónica Neves visited Corvo in the past weekend. She is a researcher of the Oceanography and Fisheries Department from Azores University. She was in Corvo to monitor the Tern colonies, and she took the oportunity to give a talk about these birds within the scope of the campaign "Açores Entre Mares". This lecture took place in the Cultural and Environmental Interpretation Center, and several Corvo inhabitants showed up and were interested.

Seasonal variation of cat activity around the Cory's Shearwater colonies

"Does feral cat activity explain variation in nest survival of Cory’s Shearwaters on Corvo?" is the study provided by Cowen Honor student, as part of her master's thesis at the University of Cambridge, UK, coordinated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The data set of cat activity, using automatic cameras and transect to detect feces around the Cory's Shearwater colonies were analyzed during one reproductive cycle. Preliminary results indicate that the current methodology can not be used to explain variations in nest survival. In order to explain the observed variation in nesting success, probably, the cameras should be placed for a period longer than 2 weeks, at the same local. The study is available for download in PDF format on the official website of the project (life-corvo.spea.pt).

On behalf of the entire team, we'd like to sincerely thank to our volunteers who give their time day after day, processing thousands of photographs, without which this work would not have been possible.

Common Snipe nest (Gallinago gallinago) at Caldeirão

SPEA team increased!

On last May 4, the "Science Club" students joined the SPEA team. They learned about the field work development by the "Save Islands for Seabirds" project.

The activity held at Corvo Biological Reserve, where they could learn about the artificial nests monitoring, of Cory's Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Little Shearwater. Learned also to use materials and techniques for rodents catching. Concluding with the various endemic species planting process.

After the well studied lesson, groups of eleven students explained to the camera what they were doing in SPEA team. The video from the activity will be displayed in the future.