Effects of sampling blood and uropygial oil on the breeding success of Antarctic birds

Samples of blood and uropygial (preen-gland) oil were collected from Adelie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Southern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialoides) in a study developing methods for monitoring organochlorine pollutants in Antarctica. This sampling and associated activities had no significant effects on the breeding success of these species. The techniques we used appear suitable for implementation in a monitoring program for organochlorine pollutants in Antarctica.