We love #shearwaters, but…they are not unique. Physiologically, ecologically they’re similar to other seabirds. Thus, the impact of #plastics on shearwaters can tell us a lot about what’s going on in other species. Even when there’s an “absence of evidence” adriftlab.org/publications...
Listing under CMS Appendix II encourages broader collaboration between groups working to protect the species. Next steps include getting the species listed with ACAP, the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels. According to ACAP, this is “well-overdue”.
So, what does this listing mean for the species?
FFSH were recently uplisted to ‘Near Threatened’ by BirdLife International, so their listing on CMS Appendix II adds to their protection, recognition, and creates additional tools we can use to ensure the birds’ success.
This is the same #seabird we’ve been studying for two decades, and while their largest colony is on #LordHoweIsland, the nomination was led by our mates over in Aotearoa (they have a couple smaller colonies).
Last week the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) added the Sable #Shearwater (formerly, FFSH) to its Appendix II and approves Concerted Action for the species.
We are SO EXCITED to read about the incredible recipients of the 2026 (decadal) Pride in #STEM Award. Especially because one of our beloved team members is amongst the awardees 💜 Congrats to these kind, compassionate, hard-working #ChangeMakers
Nearly a century floating in the ocean #PlasticPollution www.bbc.com/news/article...
It’s fledging season. These young birds are inexperienced; they/their parents struggled to find food (likely due to warming waters), became emaciated, and died. It’s important we record where, how many and which species.
#FairyPrions are washing up on beaches in SE #Tasmania, particularly around Hobart.
Please do not touch the #birds. Instead, count how many you see, take photos, and upload your observations to our dedicated #BeachedBird #CitizenScience database
🔗➡️ adriftlab.org/beached-bird...
These are special people coming together in a remarkable place to support science, conservation & discovery. The image reflects the love of a PhD grad for her team & the shared journey we’re on.
Supporting students is about building a community you feel safe with #Mentorship #TeamWork #PhDdone
This one image, designed by the talented illustrator Clemens Birsak, captures what makes us proud to be part of this community.
#ArtSci
On the left you can see Megan & Neal photographing a #shearwater. Next to them are Justin & Caitlin from LHI Marine Parks. Jack & Alix are in the middle, removing #plastic from one of the #birds. On the right are Jenn & Alix, holding the colourful bags we use to catch the birds
On our final day together, Alix did what she always does: overwhelms us with her creativity, compassion, and thoughtfulness. She presented the team with this illustration ⬆️ which shows us together, doing science, in our favourite place #LordHoweIsland.
In November, #AdriftLab gathered for one of our famous #WritingRetreats. This one was a little different, with 2 team members about to relocate after being promoted into exciting research positions in NZ & NY. So, while we wrote & shared ideas, we also prepared for the inevitable separation
Apologies for (another) sad photo. If you live between #Wollongong & #Ulladulla, can you please send us a DM - #birds are washing up on beaches in this area. We need help recording where, how many & which species
#CitizenScience #seabirds #shearwaters #AdriftLab #BeachedBirds
Thanks for sharing
UPLOAD YOUR DATA HERE ➡️🔗 adriftlab.org/beached-bird...
#MarineHeatwave #wreck #shearwaters #muttonbirds #CitizenScience #OzBirds #Australia #ornithology #MarineScience
It’s summer; many of us are planning to visit the beach. If you see #birds, please do not touch them. Instead:
- count how many
- estimate how far you walked
- send us photos (include the beak/head, if possible)
Apologies for the sad photo, but we need your help. Right now, #seabirds are washing up on beaches in SE Australia (particularly around #Newcastle)
Trying to submit a new paper to Nature 🎉 but the lab mascot has needs 🙄
Unfortunately, we’re now getting records of #BeachedBirds further north, between #Eden and #Newcastle. It’s hot, so people are on beaches - we need to know what they’re seeing 🐦🙏 #CitizenScience #shearwaters #seabirds
Thankfully, Australia is HPAI-free (at least for now). We made sure the link provided has strong and clear HPAI advice at the top of the page
That’s correct. Thankfully, Australia is HPAI-free (at least for now)
Thank you. Australia is HPAI-free (at least for now, thankfully) 🙏
🚨We need your help🚨 #Shearwaters are washing up on beaches, particularly around #Tathra. Some #seabirds are still alive. Please do not touch the #birds. Instead, take photos & submit your observations to our new portal ➡️ adriftlab.org/beached-bird... (also, please share this) #ornithology #OzBirds
Some huge science coming your way in 2026 (we are already dreading the revisions… 🤣)
#collaboration #seabirds #PlasticPollution #MarineScience
@alixdejersey.bsky.social
@thelabandfield.bsky.social
@jackauty.bsky.social
@seabirdsentinel.bsky.social
Our tally:
- 2 papers completed from scratch (including data analysis)
- 4 papers already “in progress” were finished & submitted to the journal
- 3 papers at final stage
- 3 meetings with external project partners
#AdriftLab recently completed another #WritingRetreat. The success of this approach - bringing our team together and blocking out dedicated time for deep thinking & writing - has been such a game changer. Gone are distractions like email, and in their place, creativity & productivity abounds
Perfect for #ornithology ECRs (but all career stages welcome!)
Do we know anyone planning to sample blood (>200 uL) from #birds in #Australia in the next 1-3 months? If so, please send us a DM - we’d love to collaborate and have some awesome ideas/kit to contribute! 🐦🩸
@thelabandfield.bsky.social
@seabirdsentinel.bsky.social
