Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Concerning Puffins: Initial Observations

Atlantic Puffin Webcam Stream
Disclaimer: If otherwise unspecified in this particular piece the images are screen shots from the aforementioned webcam.

21:20
Resting on cliffs
The rock appears to be smooth with little in terms of dangerous edges
Currently 11 birds on the visible area
Half the group was resting- body held low against the rock, neck pushed up against back
Resting birds close eyes for longer periods of time, still periodically blink
Half the group is moving around, one bird at edge of cliff moving head methodically from side to side (perhaps keeping watch)
Birds can be seen flying near the cliffs, perhaps trying to find food
No visible eggs- appears to be a resting place
Birds can be seen ruffing up feathers then folding them back up
One bird observed tending to feathers near breast bone

21:23
All of visible group lying down excluding one
The others have rapidly stood up and began walking around
Observed ruffling wings then folding them back together once standing up again
When ruffling feathers observed doing a slight jump
The head is the last to shake after the ruffling of feathers through the shaking of the wings
When shaking wings fly a very short distance
Frequently shake wings then fold them back up
Seem to take turns lying down for brief periods then standing up again























21:26
At times many of them seem to be lying down at a time with one or two lookouts
Others most are standing
Two birds are making noises at one another while facing each other
The beaks are opened and showed to the other bird
Seems to be either courting behaviour or rivalry
One of the birds has laid down and the other does a few more head motions and walks off
Most are standing again

21:28
Have now noticed during shaking of feathers the chest of the bird is slightly extended outwards as the back pushes inwards causing the bird to further right itself
The shaking of the wings seems to be used both for brief transportation and/or tending of the feather
Perhaps this helps to dry the feathers quicker
Molting?

21:30
When walking the birds use quick movements with their legs
They are in an upright position while walking although their bodies' are at a noticeable tilt

21:31
A huddle of 6 birds can be seen at the edge of the cliffs
They seem to be communicating with one another
The group has quickly broken up and the group has dispersed

21:32
Some birds seem to hold their body in a more upright (proud?) position than others
Is this a sign of rank?
One bird can be seen pecking another bird

21:33
A large group of arctic terns can be seen flying directly over the puffin colony
All of them are now standing
Many are shaking their wings (more then before)
Perhaps also a defence mechanism? Makes them seem larger than they are

Summary: These birds are not particularly vocal. The vertical movement of the wings appears to play one if not several important roles in the puffins' behavior: upkeep of their feathers, defensive strategy against possible predators, brief transportation. They seem to have a form of hierarchy in the posture of some of the birds: whilst some of the puffins stand straight others adopt a more slouched position. Finally, competition between the puffins is kept at a respectable level: the wings of the two participants are held at slight angles whilst the chest is pushed out wards, the birds call while presenting their exposed mouth at their opponent. Following this procedure the supposed winner of the match walks off, still mouth agape, while the defeated lies down. However, I could be mistaken: if the competition was for a roosting place the winner may well be the one who settles on the ground.

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