Researchers are using a century-old cactus on Isla Espíritu Santo, Mexico, to gather data on magnificent frigatebirds. This cactus functions as a data collector, enabling the tracking of 30 tagged birds, revealing unusual behaviors such as frequent crossings of the Baja California Peninsula. Foraging trips last around 14 hours with males flying further than females. Notably, one male traveled over 1,500 km to Clipperton Island and returned a year later, showcasing the birds' remarkable flying capabilities and migratory patterns. Data collection occurs monthly, highlighting the teamwork between researchers and the natural environment.
This century-old cactus that stands on the uninhabited Isla Espíritu Santo, in the Gulf of California, Mexico, is like my very own field technician: the device that we've attached to it automatically collects data from tagged magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) whenever they come within a 500-metre range.
GPS tracking revealed that frigatebirds cross the Baja California Peninsula up to three times per day, an unusual behaviour for a seabird. Average foraging trips last 14 hours and males fly farther than females.
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