The pigeon guillemot breeding survey was initiated on Whidbey Island in 2004 by Frances Wood and Dr. Phyllis Kind. With support from the Whidbey Audubon Society, they developed a survey protocol and trained volunteers. The survey typically runs from June to August, depending on breeding activity, and is almost entirely conducted by community volunteers.
Over the years, more organizations have joined in to conduct the survey within their own regions. This expansion developed into the Salish Sea Guillemot Network (SSGN), a collective of independent coordination groups who conduct the breeding survey across the Salish Sea. As of 2024, surveys are being conducted in eight different regions, with ~250 volunteers network wide:
Whidbey Island began surveys in 2004; supported by Whidbey Audubon.
Clallam began surveys in 2015; managed and supported collaboratively by Clallam County Marine Resources Committee and Olympic Peninsula Audubon.
Camano Island began surveys in 2020; managed and supported by Sound Water Stewards of Island County
Bainbridge Island began surveys in 2019; supported by Kitsap Audubon
Vashon Island began surveys in 2018; managed by Vashon Nature Center with support from Vashon Audubon
South Sound began surveys in 2013; managed and supported by Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Jefferson County East began surveys in 2021, supported by Admiralty Audubon.
San Juan County began surveys in 2024 (on pause for 2025)
Additionally the SSGN collaborates with and has support from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sarah Converse's Quantitative Conservation Lab at the University of Washington. We have had additional financial support from National Audubon Society and the Northwest Straits Initiative.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact your nearest survey leads below, or visit our how to get involved page to find the closest survey region to you and fill out a volunteer application.
Whidbey Island - Michele Sakaguchi, [email protected], and Lee Badovinus, [email protected], Whidbey Coordinators
Clallam County - Ed Bowlby and Robert Phreaner, Clallam Co-Coordinators https://www.clallamcountymrc.org/projects/pigeon-guillemot-survey/
Camano Island - Ellyn Thoreen, Camano Island Coordinator, [email protected]
Bainbridge Island - Cyndy Holtz, Bainbridge Coordinator, [email protected]
Vashon Island - Taylor Umetsu, Vashon Coordinator, https://vashonnaturecenter.org/contact-us/, [email protected]
South Sound - Anne Mills and Enrico Corsi, Co-Coordinators [email protected]
Jefferson County East - Dr. Brenda Johnson, Jefferson Coordinator, [email protected]
San Juan County - Currently looking for a coordinator!
Over the years, more organizations have joined in to conduct the survey within their own regions. This expansion developed into the Salish Sea Guillemot Network (SSGN), a collective of independent coordination groups who conduct the breeding survey across the Salish Sea. As of 2024, surveys are being conducted in eight different regions, with ~250 volunteers network wide:
Whidbey Island began surveys in 2004; supported by Whidbey Audubon.
Clallam began surveys in 2015; managed and supported collaboratively by Clallam County Marine Resources Committee and Olympic Peninsula Audubon.
Camano Island began surveys in 2020; managed and supported by Sound Water Stewards of Island County
Bainbridge Island began surveys in 2019; supported by Kitsap Audubon
Vashon Island began surveys in 2018; managed by Vashon Nature Center with support from Vashon Audubon
South Sound began surveys in 2013; managed and supported by Nisqually Reach Nature Center
Jefferson County East began surveys in 2021, supported by Admiralty Audubon.
San Juan County began surveys in 2024 (on pause for 2025)
Additionally the SSGN collaborates with and has support from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sarah Converse's Quantitative Conservation Lab at the University of Washington. We have had additional financial support from National Audubon Society and the Northwest Straits Initiative.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact your nearest survey leads below, or visit our how to get involved page to find the closest survey region to you and fill out a volunteer application.
Whidbey Island - Michele Sakaguchi, [email protected], and Lee Badovinus, [email protected], Whidbey Coordinators
Clallam County - Ed Bowlby and Robert Phreaner, Clallam Co-Coordinators https://www.clallamcountymrc.org/projects/pigeon-guillemot-survey/
Camano Island - Ellyn Thoreen, Camano Island Coordinator, [email protected]
Bainbridge Island - Cyndy Holtz, Bainbridge Coordinator, [email protected]
Vashon Island - Taylor Umetsu, Vashon Coordinator, https://vashonnaturecenter.org/contact-us/, [email protected]
South Sound - Anne Mills and Enrico Corsi, Co-Coordinators [email protected]
Jefferson County East - Dr. Brenda Johnson, Jefferson Coordinator, [email protected]
San Juan County - Currently looking for a coordinator!
Our Breeding Survey Program Coordinator - Shannon Boldt
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Shannon is a native Washingtonian who finds her happy place both “playing” with science and outdoors, immersed in the natural world. The more hands on she can be, the better! She holds a BS in Biology and MS in Environmental Policy and Management, with a concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management. Having grown up in the Puget Sound region, she has always felt deeply connected and drawn to the marine environment, in particular, wildlife and birds. She is driven by this connection, her constant curiosity, and eagerness to learn about and care for the world around her.
Shannon is an avid walker and amateur wildlife photographer. She loves to travel, boat, hike, and eat good food…and she absolutely ADORES Pigeon Guillemots. She is very excited to take on this role as the SSGN PIGU Breeding Survey’s Program Coordinator and to help see us through another successful season with her positive energy and support. |
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