Seabird Biologging System with Compact Waterproof Airflow Sensor

Abstract

This paper presents a seabird biologging system with a compact waterproof airflow sensor. Although biologging methods have attracted attention in the evaluation of seabird flight performance, a direct measurement method of airflow velocity has not yet been established. When an airflow sensor is added to a biologging system, a more accurate assessment of the flight performance can be obtained. We developed a compact Pitot tube-type airflow sensor that is specialized for seabird biologging systems. Here, we integrated micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensor chips and a sensing circuit into the Pitot tube housing. Then, we conducted a wind tunnel experiment using a stuffed seabird and the fabricated sensor. The results confirmed that the sensor responds to the wind speed even when attached to the dorsal surface of the seabird. Based on the above, we believe that the proposed sensor can be applied to practical seabird biologging systems.