Week 13: August 24th-30th

​Good afternoon dedicated Guillemoteers!

The end of the PIGU breeding season always sweeps in so soon! On one hand, it seems like we've been at this awhile, but on the other, Week 1 feels like yesterday. As our PIGU and their next generation float off for their offseason adventures, we find ourselves again with that familiar sense of bittersweetness hanging in the air. We sit and cheer for our colony birds, that they've done it again-- and we wonder, how many chicks they've produced and where exactly they will go now? But we also miss them--their silly antics and endearing behaviors, and the thrill of watching them fly in with a fish and successfully deliver it to their burrow. Surveying Guillemots means becoming connected to our colonies and our birds...and to each other. I know I'm not alone when I say that heading out to survey in the early morning with like minded peeps, is the best part of my weeks throughout the summer. And as we come into our last few quiet surveys, I'm already looking forward to next season. 

Before I go on, a quick word about data. (I want to make sure everyone sees this, so I'm putting it up top :)). Our End of Season Celebration will be happening on Wednesday, October 1st, the highlight of which will be Dave's summary of our 2025 data. Dave needs around two weeks to crunch numbers, generate graphs, and put this amazing presentation together for us. So we are asking everyone to please submit your data as soon as you can following your last surveys, and for regional coordinators to complete all quality checks by September 15th. We understand that a few colonies will still be wrapping up around then, and this is okay. The last two weeks should be weeks without activity, so we don't expect the late data trickling in to have much of an impact on Dave's analyses. Thank you so much to everyone for doing such an incredible job of getting your data in on time all season!! What you've accomplished is really commendable, and it will make the job of giving Dave the green light, so much easier! 

Onward...Almost all of the recent reports I've gotten are that colony teams are winding down and Guillemot numbers are dropping fast. Many teams are either done or expect to finish up within the next week or two. There is always an exception though! At the Clinton Ferry, on Whidbey Island, surveyors Ellen and Shannon saw their first prey delivery of the season just last week! Their birds were still hanging around, so they continued to survey past Week 11, and are so glad they did! Late burrows can and do happen, so it's good to trust the birds, and your instincts, when it seems the PIGU aren't quite finished! 

Also at the Clinton Ferry dock, Cathi Bower, who surveys at the Glendale colony (Whidbey), witnessed a gull chasing a PIGU, trying to get its sculpin. After the gull gave up, the PIGU popped up from under the water and gulped the sculpin down! I've seen this a few times, especially in the late season. As surveyors, we get excited to see a PIGU appear with a prey, only to watch the prey go down the hatch. I guess adult PIGU have to eat too, but it feels like they're teasing us! 

​At Hastie Lake, PG counts are tapering off, but Lac and his survey partner Joe, were graced by the presence of a gorgeous young coyote. Even when PIGU activity is low, the gifts we receive from Mother Nature out on the beach, never cease. 

Hillary Smith, of the Isthmus Beach team, recounted that her colony is also experiencing the sudden slowdown that comes after fledglings have left the burrows. She went out in search of the little guys, and was not disappointed to find this one diving and fishing near Port Wilson. It's got a forage fish of some kind--anchovy or surf smelt??

Earlier in the week, she also observed a recently fledged bird begging from an adult at the Fort Worden Pier. I've heard a few stories from the literature of this happening, but wasn't sure if they were really true. From what we know, Guillemot chicks usually begin fishing and feeding themselves right away, and seemingly just float away from the colony without hanging around to socialize with adults. But apparently, it's within the realm of possibility! Has anyone else witnessed this behavior? ​

​Also on this outing, Hillary became aware of a sick PIGU hanging around the pier. She spent several days attempting to capture the bird and was finally able to get it when it became too weak to flee. This little PIGU is now in the capable hands of a seabird rehabilitator, receiving critical care. Thank you, Hillary, for not giving up and getting the ailing guillemot to help. We wish this guy a speedy recovery!

Some exciting news this week--SSGN was featured in Washington Audubon's August newsletter which went out to 34,000 members across the state! Terry Anderson wrote this blurb highlighting our program and the incredible efforts of our volunteers to monitor PIGU throughout the Salish Sea. It feels wonderful to be getting this visibility among the birding community, and it was all made possible thanks to the many years of dedication from our dedicated volunteers! As Linda N. said, "kudos to SSGN", and I echo that!! Thank you to Linda and Ellyn T. for sharing the newsletter with me. Terry let me know that she was writing and publishing this, but I hadn't seen the actual copy yet.

Pigeon Guillemots Indicate Health of the Salish Sea
The Salish Sea is home to countless marine species, but one bird stands out for its unique charm and importance, the Pigeon Guillemot. This small seabird, with its black body, white wing patches, and fire-engine red legs, is not only an iconic symbol, but a key indicator of the health of the Salish Sea ecosystem. Thanks to the efforts of the Salish Sea Guillemot Network (SSGN), Pigeon Guillemots are getting the attention they deserve.  

Pigeon Guillemots are a Marine Bird Indicator species in Washington’s Vital Signs Reporting by the Puget Sound Partnership. These birds help gauge the health of marine habitats, and understanding their breeding patterns, population trends, and habitat preferences is crucial for ongoing conservation efforts. This is where volunteers come in. Last year volunteers contributed nearly 5,000 hours at 63 different breeding colonies. By documenting Pigeon Guillemot colonies, volunteers track population trends that guide conservation policy. Their surveys offer insight into the pressures facing Pigeon Guillemots like habitat degradation, and help ensure these birds will continue to thrive in the Salish Sea.

​And that seems like a fitting way to wrap up my updates for the season! Huge thanks to you all for caring about your birds and connecting with and observing them every week. This program is such a source of joy and it's uplifting to know that so many continue to stand together as stewards of the birds, beaches, and bluffs of our beloved Salish Sea. Although this is my last official update, I will continue to keep folks in the loop if anything comes up! 

Okay, two more pics! I'll leave you with these fun ones of "PIGU parties" at Isthmus Beach (East Jefferson) and Onamac (Camano):

Take care, all, and have a wonderful off season. May you continue to find ways to connect with the earth and experience its magic. I hope to see you on October 1st for our End of Season Celebration! I'll be sending out the Zoom link around mid-September, so keep your eyes peeled!

​Shannon