Research
I’m currently (2024 - 2027) undertaking a PhD project with Cardiff University on Storm-petrels in the North Atlantic, after developing a collaboration with some brilliant researchers in the Faroe Islands between 2021 and 2023. Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds in the World, and so understanding how they interact with developments in the marine environment is critical. My PhD is focussed on expanding our understanding of one such seabird, the European Storm-petrel, from its largest known population in the World in the Faroe Islands. I hope to reveal how this amazing little seabird is interacting with offshore developments and artificial light pollution, and how we can reduce any negative interactions.
Jens-kjeld Jensen and Anne Ausems stand amidst the impressive Nólsoy Storm-petrel colony in the Faroe Islands - the largest of its kind in the world. (C) Ben Porter
A European Storm-petrel feeding at sea, pattering on the sea in their characteristic fashion to pick up morsels of prey from the surface. (C) Ben Porter
PhD updates
2024 Field Report
A detailed overview of the 2024 research season in the Faroes, with some of the initial findings and key take-aways before the winter work of analysis and results writing begins! Have a read of the PDF
An update from the Faroes: summer 2024
A short blog update amidst the 2024 fieldwork season in the Faroes, documenting the beginning of my fourth period of research work in the Storm-petrel colony on Nólsoy.
Pilot study summary: summer 2021
A detailed introduction to the Faroe Islands, and the developing aspects of my research work in collaboration with local people on Nólsoy, the Faroes Environment Agency and Cardiff University.
Storm-petrel feature on Faroese TV
A short interview piece for the Faroese tv channel ‘KVF’, talking about my research work on Storm-petrels in Faroes and the collaborative work with locals such as the legend Jens-kjeld Jensen, amongst others.
Podcast: A Sky Full of Storm Swallows
Transport yourself into the midst of the amazing Nólsoy Storm-petrel colony by listening to this podcast episode, which is part of our latest series of ‘Will and Ben the Wildlife Men’. In this piece, I share a story from the Faroes Storm-petrel project.
Podcast: Coffee with Conservationists
Myself and Sjúrður Hammer talk with George Brynmor on the ‘Coffee with conservationists’ podcast about our work in the Faroes to assess the impact of offshore developments on seabirds.
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Storm-petrel adventure 2024: a blog by Rebecca Cheape
An enjoyable and engaging account of the Faroes Storm-petrel project from Rebecca Cheape, who joined as one of the research assistants during the 2024 field season. A lovely account of her experiences and activities.
Megan Pickard final year project report: effect of climatic conditions and parental effort on Storm-petrel chick growth
“Chick growth and success: a product of optimal climatic conditions or parental effort? A case study on the European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus in Nólsoy, Faroe Islands.” Final year project report from Megan Pickard at Cardiff University, delving into the lives of Storm-petrels nesting on Nólsoy.
