Great Black-backed Gulls: from populations to individuals - Sam Langlois from BTO Scotland
The Great Black-backed Gull is one of the North Atlantic’s most conspicuous and largest seabirds — yet much of its ecology remains poorly understood. This talk will present new insights into global population trends and foraging ecology, focusing on diet and GPS tracking studies undertaken on the Isle of May, Scotland.
Sam has a strong background in ornithological work, having spent four breeding seasons collecting data and studying the seabird populations of the Isle of May. Between 2019 and 2023 he undertook a PhD at the University of the Highlands and Islands where he investigated the population dynamics, predator-prey relationships and foraging ecology of Great Black-backed Gulls in a conservation context.
Sam has been interested in nature since a very young age, with a particular interest in birds. Birdwatching, bird ringing, and wildlife photography are his main interests alongside cycling and racket sports.