First breeding record for Tropical Shearwater at Desroches

As reported earlier, a pair of Tropical Shearwaters appeared at a burrow on Desroches in late 2015 and produced an egg. However, this was lost for unknown reasons. A second  egg was laid in June 2016 and hatched on 27 July. The nest was continuously monitored by Island Conservation Society (ICS) staff led by Conservation Officer Jo Bluemel. Then on 7 October, the nest was empty, indicating a fledging period of 72 days. This is about average and compares to 64-80 days recorded by ICS at Aride Island Nature Reserve.

Photos: Jo Bluemel