We were on the islet

On the 2nd – 4th of June we were on Vila Franco do Campo islet to monitor Cory’s Shearwater nests.

Of 284 of the initially identified potential nests, 63 (22.18%) were occupied and 181 (63.73%) showed some evidence of being occupied. At this stage in Corvo, almost 50% of couples have already laid an egg. Only 1 artificial nest was occupied and 8 have the potential to be occupied.

Since Vila Franca do Campo islet does not have introduced predators, it is important to investigate the Cory’s Shearwater breeding success to provide a comparison with an island with predators. We will also determine natural mortality on our next visit to be held during the hatching period.

Was also carried out reed control on the western slope of the isle. Vegetation and invertebrate’s surveys using pit-falls traps were conducted and compared with the results from Spring.

Finally, were used wax blocks with peanut butter to confirm the absence of rodents.