Week 3: June 15th-21st

​We have another week under our belts and hopefully everyone feels like they're settling in and hitting their stride with surveys. Each year it seems there is a sense of becoming reacquainted and familiar with our beaches and the dynamics of our colonies again. Many of us, including me, have to find that "muscle memory" and find ourselves asking, now how do I log into Survey123?? Hopefully, you haven't experienced too many hiccups in starting up again! For those who are new, I hope you are enjoying the magic experienced in observing the PIGU and are feeling ever more confident in surveying. If anyone has any questions crop up as we're warming up and getting into the groove, please let me know!

I peeked at the data, and of course, not all surveys are in yet for the week, but I'm still seeing mostly no prey visits to burrow or no visits, and plenty of PIGU hanging around for our population counts! (It's so nice when they don't decide to disappear right as we're ready to count--who else has experienced this trend? ) 

I've also had many new reports of courtship and mating behavior observed on the beach, so some colonies have yet to enter the incubation phase, which may feel like a lull in activity. The good news is, chicks are on the way! We have proof in this video clip of PIGU mating at Rolling Bay sent in by Kristine.  

Others are reporting seeing PIGU sitting in their burrows! Here is a wonderful photo from Steve Koehler of a PIGU sitting quietly in its burrow at the Port Williams colony (Clallam County):

I also received this fun photo series from Lac Pope, taken at the Hastie Lake colony on Whidbey Island, chronicling the hazards of passing tug boats (monster wakes!):

I trust the PIGU recovered swimmingly from this mishap. :) 

​We had an exciting survey at Amsterdam Bay in the South Sound last week! On our way to the survey site, we spotted two orcas heading north along Johnson Point. I managed to capture the big male, T137A "Jack", as he passed by. During our survey we witnessed an aerial display by two ospreys, which were then chased by an eagle, and the eagle chased by ravens! It can be difficult to stay focused with so much activity going on!! Our guillemots were not to be outdone though, and wowed us with multiple synchronized fly bys and water games. What activities are you all seeing? Please keep the reports coming--I love to hear them!

Here's to a fabulous week 3, all!! Enjoy this beautiful place and these beautiful creatures!! As always, thank you for dedicating your time to our survey--we think the world of you! ​