Covering entrances of Wedge-tailed Shearwater burrows

An investigation into the association between covered burrow entrances and the breeding status of occupants of burrows was prompted when Wedge-tailed Shearwaters were seen covering the entrances to their burrows. The results showed that neither covered nor cleared entrances should be used as indicators for occupied breeding burrows. Burrows with covered entrances may contain incubating birds, and those with cleared entrances may only be used at night by immature birds. The incidence of burrows with covered entrances was related to habitat type which influenced the availability of litter and debris