THE CAPE ST. MARY GANNET COLONY, NEWFOUNDLAND.

• Published in: Ibis
• Main Authors: Davies, O. J. H., Keynes, R. D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1948
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919x.1948.tb01715.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1474-919X.1948.tb01715.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1948.tb01715.x

Summary. A census of the Cape St. Mary gannet colony was taken in July 1939 by a direct count after the colony had been divided up into areas for counting. There were found to be 4394 pairs, with a probable error of 369 pairs. The proportion of nests at which there were two birds was found to be 15%. Examination of the gonads of specimens collected on the mainland showed that there were some birds in mature plumage which were not in full breeding condition. The number of birds occupying the mainland standing areas was over 2000 in the morning, but decreased steadily during the day. Absence of birds from the mainland could not be correlated with locally increased fishing activity. The unoccupied birds do not roost at the colony. Attempts have regularly been made at nesting on the mainland since 1931, but none have yet been successful. The chief cause of mortality in this colony is persecution by the fishermen. There is no oiling.