In 2014 we deployed geolocator loggers on
Ancient Murrelets at 4 breeding colonies, 2 on the east and 2 on the west coast
of Haida Gwaii to investigate patterns of post-breeding dispersal and
subsequent migratory movements. Birds from east coast colonies moved south and
east, remaining in Queen Charlotte Sound and adjacent waters for 4-6 wks,
whereas those from west coast colonies moved steadily north and west, leaving
BC waters earlier than those from east coast colonies. These movements were
consistent with being driven by surface currents. In June, all birds moved
rapidly to the eastern Aleutians, SE Bering Sea, and waters off Kamchatka,
where they probably moulted. In Aug, most moved north, some passing through
Bering Straits into the Chukchi Sea. In Oct-Nov some birds returned to waters
off western NA and the remainder carried on westwards to waters off Japan,
Korea and NE China. Those birds wintering in Asia began moving east in February
and arrived off BC in March.