Foraging Behavior and Area Use of Atlantic Puffins Breeding in the Hjelmsøya Colony, Northern Norway

This study provides an investigation of the foraging behaviour and movement patterns of atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) from Hjelmsøya, a seabird colony located in northern Norway. Over three breeding seasons (2020, 2022, 2023), we tracked 28 individual puffins using high-resolution GPS devices. 

The study focused on the observation of different relevant characteristics such as significant variations in average and maximum foraging trip distances between years. Analysis of foraging areas to observe shifts in the relative importance of deep waters, areas around the colony, and shallow waters across the study years. Variations in the duration of the feeding stops were also assessed across the study years. Lastly observations related to the correlation between different variables and the breeding success of the individuals were assessed to observe possible relevant correlations between the success and other observed characteristics such as trip duration and distance from the colony and different area used for foraging.