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Nat Forsdick

@natforsdick.bsky.social
953 followers 796 following 408 posts

Conservation genomics researcher @ MWLR in Aotearoa New Zealand 🧬🐦🐸🐛🌿 | Bird Nerd & President @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social | Secretary @scboceania.bsky.social | pākehā | she/her 🏳️‍🌈 Opinions are my own. www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalie-Forsdick/research

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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Thrilled for Giselle! www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/c...
rnz.co.nz
Children’s bird book stuns with perfect score at design awards
The win marks the third time a children’s title has taken out the supreme award.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Early bird registration for the joint NZ Ecological Society + @scboceania.org conference closes Wed 30 Sept. With >350 presentations from across Aotearoa and the Pacific, you won't want to miss out! #ecology #conservation Register: confer.eventsair.com/2026-nzes-sc...
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Chad English shares how philanthropy fits into the picture in contributing to seabird research and restoration actions. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Nick Holmes describes the learnings gained from collating the information on seabird restoration efforts and outcomes in the Seabird Restoration Database: www.seabirddatabase.org #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Gaia Dell’Ariccia describes how multi-species feeding aggregations of seabirds (work-ups) can be used to infer ecosystem health. 198 hrs of observational study counted >33,000 individuals in the Hauraki Gulf were used to understand species networks. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Jamie Darby describes storm impacts on Toanui flesh-footed shearwaters. Wind strength effects flight style and path, and foraging behaviours such as dive frequency. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Maíra Fessardi explores the complex relationship between ocean health and seabird health by investigating feather corticosterone levels, a signal of stress. Higher feather CORT was linked to a higher likelihood of breeding failure for Grey-faced petrels on Ihumoana. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Alice Della Penna uses sonar acoustic data to investigate the complex processes resulting from marine heatwaves that affect prey abundance, composition, and distribution. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Fueling the fire of a high metabolism - John Piatt describes physiological adaptations of seabirds and their food supply in the face of marine heatwaves. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A thought-provoking panel discussion on incorporating Traditional knowledge and working with Indigenous and local communities to enhance seabird conservation activities. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Roland Vösa describes Finland’s goals to eradicate raccoon dogs and mink from the archipelago, supporting seabird recovery. In 3 yrs, eradication efforts have been rolled out over 2000 islands, using hunters + dogs, trapping, feeding stations and drones. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Antje Steinfurth shares outcomes of mouse eradication efforts on Gough Island, home to 22 seabirds and 2 landbirds. Mice were having devastating impacts on population viability. Although eradication was unsuccessful, reproductive success improved for 6 spp monitored. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
André Bellvé discusses the nutrient contributions of burrowing procellariformes in AoNZ. Seabirds globally contribute more than 48,000 school buses worth of excreta every year! Nutrient flux area is only 8% of what it was prior to seabird colony declines in AoNZ, impacting primary production. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Ilana Nimz shares stories of the tree-nesting Manu-o-kū on Oahu, where ‘nesting’ is a generous term! Citizen scientists are integral to understanding these urban-dwelling birds. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Licia Calabrese describes seabird censuses, estimates of breeding success for 14 species, along with habitat selection across islands within three key sites in Saudi Arabia. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Nina Cossin-Sevrin describes the ‘seabird paradox’ - how does the physiology of king penguins enable them to survive in extreme environments? #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Although little penguins are classed as ‘least concern’, local population declines of >90% in recent years indicate that all is not wel. Using ddRAD + environmental data, Lucy Ockert identified SNPs associated with environmental variables and assessed diversity. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Shy and white-capped albatrosses remain difficult to distinguish. Anna MacDonald uses ddRAD data to provide more finescale inference of species differentiation and population structure among colonies for each species. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Matthieu Le Corre explains that in the absence of invasive pest control, Barau’s and Mascarene petrels on Réunion Is will collapse. Grounded Mascarene petrels were found to have higher inbreeding coefficients, demonstrating impacts of light pollution combined with small population size. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Juan Massello describes genetic structure across prions, and differences in breeding phenology and bill morphology. This led to a deep dive to investigate introgression hybridisation and species differentiation in more detail. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Guillem Izquierdo Aranega applies whole genome sequencing for species pairs, using ancestral recombination graphs to understand the evolutionary history, and periods of divergence or gene flow fluctuating with sea level changes. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
‘Missing data doesn’t exist in a biological vacuum’.Catharine Horswill explains how we can use partial info from life history traits to reconstruct profiles of traits where we have incomplete knowledge. We can then use this info in population viability analyses to inform management decisions. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Andrea Varela asks whether population genetic structure correlates with foraging segregation in pink-footed shearwaters in Chile. Small but siginficant differentiation is present between the breeding sites, and stable isotope analysis differentiates Isla Mocha from the other islands. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Chris Haney discusses the impacts of heavy industrialisation of the Gulf of Mexico on seabirds, including offshore wind infrastructure. All the dominant seabirds in the region are aerial foragers, with distinct flight patterns. Most spp fly below the turbine zone - but not all. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Kirsty Franklin describes further work from ProcBe using GPS and barometer-derived flight heights to understand offshore windfarm risks for European & Leach’s storm-petrels. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Orea Anderson is part of the ProcBe team assessing offshore wind infrastructure impacts on Manx shearwaters and storm petrels in the Celtic, Irish and NW Scotland Seas, demonstrating the role of wind speed at sea on flight heights bringing birds into the collision risk zone. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Maud Berlincourt asks what flight height distribution is most realistic for assessing impacts of offshore windfarms on seabirds in France. 2 distinct flight height patterns were observed between species, along with spatial variation. #WSC4l
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Morgane Declerck investigates the combined impacts of offshore windfarms and oceanic changes on Northern gannet foraging patterns to infer habitat changes arising from the increasing infrastructure, demonstrating potential impacts that could reduce breeding success. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Julia Gulka incorporated behavioural states derived from tracking data into collision risk models for Northern gannets interacting with windfarm infrastructure development in the US Atlantic. Lots of work to come validating models and understanding annual variability. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Nora Theurich demonstrates that juvenile Northern gannets are shaping their migration routes around wind farms from their very first flight. #WSC4
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
We are looking to host an arts & crafts market as part of the #AOC2027 aoc.org.au. If you are (or know) a local creator producing bird-inspired pieces, I’d love to hear from you! #birds #art
aoc.org.au
Home - Australasian Ornithological Conference 2027
BirdLife Australia, in conjunction with Birds New Zealand, are pleased to announce that the 13th Australasian Ornithological Conference.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
The Royal Society Te Apārangi is hosting He Pito Mata – a 2-day national conference for 300 early-career researchers. When: 10–11 September, 2026 Where: Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
royalsociety.us4.list-manage.com
He Pito Mata 2026
Early-career researchers are invited to join the Society’s 2-day national conference in Tāmaki Makaurau.
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Vaccines are just one part of the avian influenza management plan here in Aotearoa NZ, helping some of our most vulnerable species. #H5N1 theconversation.com/nz-has-spent...
theconversation.com
NZ has spent years preparing for H5N1 bird flu. For some species, it may not be enough
With H5N1 now in New Zealand, protecting the most threatened birds will involve difficult decisions, careful prioritisation – and sometimes chance.
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A third case of #H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in Aotearoa New Zealand. We encourage members of the public to report 3 or more dead or sick birds to the MPI hotline. www.rnz.co.nz/news/environ...
rnz.co.nz
Third case of H5 bird flu found in Wellington region
A third case of H5 bird flu has been detected in a northern giant petrel, in the Wairarapa.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Final call for abstracts for the #NZES-SCBO2026 conference, deadline tomorrow, Wed 12 August, don't miss out! The conference theme is 'Changing the Conversation – Ecology in a Shifting Political Landscape', + a wide range of symposia. #conservation #ecology confer.eventsair.com/2026-nzes-sc...
confer.eventsair.com
Call for Abstracts - NZES & SCBO 2026 Conference - AUT
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Call for abstracts 🚨 Submissions for the joint NZ Ecological Society + @scboceania.org conference close 12 Aug (no extensions!). 📅 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2027📍AUT, Auckland 💡 "Changing the Conversation – Ecology in a Shifting Political Landscape" confer.eventsair.com/2026-nzes-sc... #ecology #conservation
confer.eventsair.com
Call for Abstracts - NZES & SCBO 2026 Conference - AUT
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
News just in: H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) has arrived in NZ. www.beehive.govt.nz/release/h5-b... We encourage you to look out for groups of sick/dead birds and report these to the MPI hotline ☎️ 0800 80 99 66. To keep safe and support detection: www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-...
beehive.govt.nz
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The annual NZ Garden Bird Survey is fast approaching! Are you ready to identify and count the birds in your local patch? All you need is 1 hr between 27 June - 5 July. Check out the resources at gardenbirdsurvey.nz to brush up on your bird ID skills! #NZGBS #ornithology 🪶
gardenbirdsurvey.nz
Home | New Zealand Garden Bird Survey
Get out into your garden, count the birds, and build a build a picture of the state of our environment by taking part in the NZ Garden Bird Survey.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Call for nominations to serve on the @scboceania.org Board - as previous Secretary, I can confirm you'll get to work with a lovely team of researchers and practitioners across the region. www.scboceania.org/news/call-fo... #conservation
scboceania.org
Call for Nominations to Serve on the SCBO Board — Society for Conservation Biology Oceania
The SCBO Board is inviting applications for two positions: Academic Liaison Officer and Secretary. Successful candidates will serve a 3 year term commencing in September 2026.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Hear a recap from my chat with Susana Lei’ataua on RNZ about @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social’s annual ornithological conference: www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
rnz.co.nz
Bird lovers converge on Wanaka for annual conference
Around 200 ornithologists and bird enthusiasts are gathered in Wanaka this Kings Birthday Weekend. The 2026 NZ Bird Conference and Birds New Zealand AGM is being held at the Lake Wanaka Centre - and i...
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
ICYMI: Catch up on summaries of the latest bird research from our national #ornithology conference in Wānaka - our posts are tagged #BirdsNZ2026. With more than 50 presentations, there’s something for everyone! 🪶
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Abstract submission has been extended for the Australasian Ornithological Conference #AOC2027 until 10 June, and registration is now open at aoc.org.au! Birds NZ @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social are excited to be hosting alongside BirdLife AU @birdlifeoz.bsky.social in Auckland, 18-20 February.
aoc.org.au
Home - Australasian Ornithological Conference 2027
BirdLife Australia, in conjunction with Birds New Zealand, are pleased to announce that the 13th Australasian Ornithological Conference.
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Abstract submission is now open for the Australasian Ornithological Conference #AOC2027 coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next February! See www.aoc.org.au for details. #ornithology
aoc.org.au
Home - Australasian Ornithological Conference 2027
BirdLife Australia, in conjunction with Birds New Zealand, are pleased to announce that the 13th Australasian Ornithological Conference.
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Registration is still open for our annual conference, to be held this year in Wānaka over King’s Birthday Weekend. We’ve got a great line-up of scientific presentations and much more! See www.birdsnz.org.nz/nz-bird-conference-2026/ for details.
birdsnz.org.nz
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Birds New Zealand (OSNZ) @birdsnewzealand.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Applications for student travel grants for the 2027 Australasian Ornithological Conference #AOC2027 in Auckland are now open, closing March 31. Three travel grants to the value of $300 each will be offered. Criteria and application forms are available at www.birdsnz.org.nz/awards-and-p...
birdsnz.org.nz
AOC Student Grants - Birds New Zealand
The Australasian Ornithological Conference (AOC) is the primary conference for BirdLife Australia and Birds New Zealand, and the largest biennial gathering of enthusiastic amateur and professional orn...
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
And here's a thought provoking study on other disparities in research, this one addressing different aspects of the gender gap. #WomenInSTEM journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
journals.plos.org
Biomedical and life science articles by female researchers spend longer under review
Women are underrepresented in academia, especially in STEMM fields, at top institutions, and in senior positions. This study analyzes millions of biomedical and life science articles, revealing that f...
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Kudos to all who contributed to this confronting early career perspectives piece in the NZ Science Review. It's hard to be an emerging researcher in Aotearoa right now. Let's use the power of these collective voices to push for change! ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzsr/article... #earlycareer #ECR #ECS #AoNZ
ojs.victoria.ac.nz
Early Career Voices from a Changing Research System | New Zealand Science Review
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World Seabird Union @worldseabirdunion.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
WSC4 Abstract Submissions – Now Open Abstract submissions for WSC4 are currently open and have been extended until 23 January 2026 (23:59 UTC-12). Submitting an abstract is easy via our Abstract Portal. Check out our website for full guidelines and submission details. 🔗 bit.ly/4qRZd44 #WSC4
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Environment Network Manawatū @enviromanawatu.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Three quarters of our endemic terrestrial bird, freshwater fish and frog species are now either at risk or threatened with extinction; nine in 10 of our native seabird and reptile species sit in the same categories; and around half of our native vascular plants – including...
newsroom.co.nz
Want to be on the right side of biodiversity this summer? It's your choice
New Zealand’s biodiversity is under immense pressure, but we can give native species a boost this summer by making some simple choices.
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Nat Forsdick @natforsdick.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
On behalf of the Science NZ Early Career Member Group (ECMG), I’m delighted to share our new publication in the New Zealand Science Review: ‘Pressures and Pathways: Early Career Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Research Organisations’: doi.org/10.26686/nzs... 🧵1/5
doi.org
Pathways and Pressures: Early Career Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Research Organisations | New Zealand Science Review
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