ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Fred Tremblay is an author on ‘ Time–energy budgets outperform dynamic body acceleration in predicting daily energy expenditure in kittiwakes, and estimate a very low cost of gliding flight relative to flapping’, published in JEB. Fred conducted the research described in this article while a Master's student in Kyle Elliott's lab at McGill University, Canada. She is now a Wildlife Biologist in the Canadian Wildlife Service, investigating seabird ecology, ecophysiology and more recently migratory bird harvest management.
Fred Tremblay
How did you become interested in biology?
I always had a keen interest in animals as a child. I enjoyed school and loved animals, so veterinary medicine initially seemed like the obvious path for me. However, my interests began to change when I started high school in an outdoor education program. Spending extensive time outdoors and engaging in year-round activities sparked a broader interest for wildlife and nature. This newfound curiosity eventually led me to pursue a degree in biology at McGill University, where I discovered birding. I was enthralled, and my eagerness led me to spend my first field season in Alaska, where my passion really bloomed as my love for the outdoors with my fascination for birds came together. Working with black-legged kittiwakes and other seabirds really solidified my choice of career and since then, my passion has only grown. Ultimately, numerous field seasons, conferences and the guidance of passionate mentors have led me to my current position with the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
My scientific journey began with a Bachelor's degree in biology from McGill University, where I had the privilege of completing an honors thesis under the supervision of Dr Kyle Elliott. This opportunity allowed me to spend 4 months in Alaska working with black-legged kittiwakes. Following my honors thesis, I chose to continue my research in Dr Elliott's lab, focusing on seabird ecophysiology, specifically kittiwake energetics and the effects of heat stress on thick-billed murres. Through my Master's thesis, I delved into concepts such as energyscapes, metabolic rates and operative temperatures, gaining a deep understanding of seabird physiology and how environmental factors influence their biology.
Interestingly, after completing my Master's, I joined the Canadian Wildlife Service, where my work now focuses primarily on migratory birds, with a particular interest in harvested species, including murres. In this role, I contribute to research on harvest management and population dynamics, exploring how scientific research can inform regulations to conserve and manage migratory bird populations.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
Our paper lays out all the puzzle pieces required to develop a ‘Fitbit’ for birds, allowing us to estimate how much energy kittiwakes spend every day based on their activity level. Although the idea of fitting birds with ‘Fitbits’ may not seem important, knowing how much energy birds expand can be crucial to understanding their ecology and the challenges they face.
On Middleton Island, kittiwakes nest on a one of a kind structure, a Cold War era radar tower! Over the years, the tower was modified for research purposes, giving us an exclusive view into the lives of kittiwakes.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
I really enjoy developing new tools and methodologies, which not only enhance our ability to study seabird ecology but also have the potential to benefit other researchers in the field. This theme was the driving force through both chapters of my Master's work and was a continuous source of motivation and intellectual stimulation for me. Developing or refining methods can be challenging, as there is often no clear path or single correct answer – only decisions that affect the strength and reliability of your approach. It was this challenge – the pursuit of discovering new and improved ways to conduct research – that I found most rewarding.
What is your favourite animal, and why?
It may not come as a surprise, but black-legged kittiwakes hold a special place at the top of my list of favorite species. While I've had the opportunity to work with a variety of seabird species – and birds in general – kittiwakes, and gulls in particular, have consistently impressed me with their grace and intelligence. Like many, I initially had a somewhat biased perception of gulls, shaped by their often negative reputation. However, my experience with kittiwakes quickly changed that. Their cunning, and at times bold, personalities won me over. And of course, it's impossible not to admire their striking appearance and the elegance with which they soar around the colony.
What is the most important lesson that you have learned from your career so far?
When I first entered the field of research, I had the impression that everyone around me knew exactly what they were doing, and that sense of certainty was intimidating. Over time, I've come to realize that what truly sets the best researchers apart isn't an inherent ability to know everything, but rather their insatiable curiosity and their willingness to explore the unknown. In reality, very few researchers have all the answers from the start – they are constantly learning, adapting and figuring things out as they go, much like you and I. It is this persistence, the courage to experiment, embrace failure and continually seek knowledge, that I believe is the most valuable trait in any researcher.
Fred Tremblay's contact details: Department of Natural Resources, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H9X 3V9.
E-mail: [email protected]
