A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR COLLECTING FECAL-URATE SAMPLES FROM NESTLING AMERICAN KESTRELS

A new technique for collecting fecal-urate samples from nestling Ameri can Kestrels (Falco sparverius) was developed and tested while conduct ing field research on the detection and effects of agrochemical exposu re. The technique was later modified and successfully used to collect samples from hand-reared nestling kestrels in a controlled exposure ex periment. Sample collection in both studies incorporated the use of a ''diaper'' fastened to nestlings in different manners. The original de sign consisted of making a diaper out of a corner section of a plastic sandwich bag. The modified design secured a small balloon over a much smaller surface area by means of elastic string suspenders. Sampling was successful in 74% of all field attempts (n = 111) and in 97% of co llections in the controlled dosing study (n = 32). This technique simp lifies collection of fecal-urate samples from nestling kestrels for us e in a variety of biomonitoring studies. The technique may also be ada ptable to other species of birds.