Impact of changing wind patterns of sea birds

[Laurie Knight <>]

See:

Changes in Wind Pattern Alter Albatross Distribution and Life-History  
Traits
Henri Weimerskirch, Maite Louzao, Sophie de Grissac, Karine Delord
Science 13 January 2012:  Vol. 335 no. 6065 pp. 211-214

Abstract
Westerly winds in the Southern Ocean have increased in intensity and  
moved poleward. Using long-term demographic and foraging records, we  
show that foraging range in wandering albatrosses has shifted poleward  
in conjunction with these changes in wind pattern, while their rates  
of travel and flight speeds have increased. Consequently, the duration  
of foraging trips has decreased, breeding success has improved, and  
birds have increased in mass by more than 1 kilogram. These positive  
consequences of climate change may be temporary if patterns of wind in  
the southern westerlies follow predicted climate change scenarios.  
This study stresses the importance of foraging performance as the key  
link between environmental changes and population processes.
===============================

To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to: 

http://birding-aus.org
===============================