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. Coordinators: Lee Badovinus and Michele Sakaguchi
Clallam began surveys in 2015; managed and supported collaboratively by Clallam County Marine Resources Committee and Olympic Peninsula Audubon. Coordinators: Ed Bowlby and Robert Phreaner
Camano Island began surveys in 2020; managed and supported by Sound Water Stewards of Island County. Coordinators: Melissa Cole and Dennis Johnson
Bainbridge Island began surveys in 2019; supported by Kitsap Audubon. Coordinator: Cindy Holtz
Vashon Island began surveys in 2018; managed by Vashon Nature Center with support from Vashon Audubon. Coordinator: Alex Brown
South Sound began surveys in 2013; managed and supported by Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Coordinators: Anne Mills, Enrico Corsi, and Shannon Boldt
Jefferson County East began surveys in 2021, supported by Admiralty Audubon. Coordinator: Dr. Brenda Johnson
San Juan County began surveys in 2024 (on pause for 2025). Currently looking for a coordinator!
Additionally the SSGN collaborates with and has support from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and D. 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, visit our how to get involved page to find the closest survey region to you and fill out a volunteer application.
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. Coordinators: Lee Badovinus and Michele Sakaguchi
Clallam began surveys in 2015; managed and supported collaboratively by Clallam County Marine Resources Committee and Olympic Peninsula Audubon. Coordinators: Ed Bowlby and Robert Phreaner
Camano Island began surveys in 2020; managed and supported by Sound Water Stewards of Island County. Coordinators: Melissa Cole and Dennis Johnson
Bainbridge Island began surveys in 2019; supported by Kitsap Audubon. Coordinator: Cindy Holtz
Vashon Island began surveys in 2018; managed by Vashon Nature Center with support from Vashon Audubon. Coordinator: Alex Brown
South Sound began surveys in 2013; managed and supported by Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Coordinators: Anne Mills, Enrico Corsi, and Shannon Boldt
Jefferson County East began surveys in 2021, supported by Admiralty Audubon. Coordinator: Dr. Brenda Johnson
San Juan County began surveys in 2024 (on pause for 2025). Currently looking for a coordinator!
Additionally the SSGN collaborates with and has support from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and D. 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, visit our how to get involved page to find the closest survey region to you and fill out a volunteer application.