Incredible journeys


Once at sea, both adults and juveniles set out on one of the most incredible migratory journeys in the animal kingdom. They fly south across the Atlantic and down the coast of South America, reaching as far south as the Falkland Islands. They then return up the coast of Africa and back across the Atlantic in a migratory pathway that resembles a figure of eight. They cover a distance of over 22,000 km. Much of the detail has been long known from ringing recoveries. But recent developments have allowed researchers to attach small electronic devices – known as geolocators – to the shearwaters. These identify and record the bird’s position at regular intervals. The details revealed have begun to shed light on the precise timing and pattern of their movements. Immature Manx shearwaters will wander the oceans for a number of years until they return to a breeding colony (not necessarily where they were born). This is usually after about four to six years. The return by young birds can be seen on Rum in mid- summer, when there’s an increase in burrow occupancy as young birds start to look for a breeding burrow. Once they’re paired up, Manx shearwaters may live for up to 50 years. Pairs tend to stay together, although the death of a partner may require birds to seek new partners at times. The Manx shearwater is one of


Scotland’s most common but most mysterious seabirds, and there’s still much to learn. Rum is their Scottish stronghold, and a night-time trip to the colony will leave any visitor with lasting memories. Safe to say, though, that your memories are likely to be a little less alarming than those of Rum’s earliest visitors!


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