Week 4: June 25th - July 1st
It's week 4...how is everyone doing? I've heard stories of more fish deliveries occurring in East Jefferson County, Camano, and Whidbey and increasing activity throughout the network. I was nosing around survey data and I think Hood Canal takes the cake for most burrow visits in a survey, with 44 visits across 14 burrows!! Wowza, that's incredible! I'm not sure how Nancy and Karin do it--their heads must have been spinning!
As folks are settling into the groove of entering data, we've had some questions rolling in, and I think we've been able to successfully navigate and resolve everyone's concerns. Hopefully, we're past most of the speed bumps and on to smooth sailing. I'm optimistic! That being said, if you or your surveyors come across anything that makes you go, "hmm"...please don't hesitate to reach out. As we all know, this can happen even to the most veteran surveyors as the season progresses and unique situations crop up.
Speaking of data, it's rolling in! We do have some gaps, so I will be reaching out to a few of you just to make sure there aren't any issues or barriers to entering data and also to check whether there are some colonies that aren't being monitored this season. I'm aware of a few special circumstances, so thank you to those who are keeping me in the loop!
New this week--I've published a page on our website called "How is Our Data Used". This is a frequently asked question, so I hope this helps answer your ponderings on that subject. Our updated colony map is also live under the "How Can I Get Involved" tab, "Where We Survey". I will be in touch with everyone this week and will send out your individual region colony maps. I have also completed a rough draft SSGN flyer. I hope to have this finalized soon, pending edits, so that I can get it out to you. Also, last week I was able to get our Facebook page up and running--woohoo! If you haven't already, consider following our page for more photos, fun stories, and updates. I still don't have access to our Instagram account, but when I do, I will sync these two together. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/SalishSeaGuillemotNetwork
On that note, some of you may have seen the photos I posted from Lac Pope of a PIGU sitting on eggs in the old Keystone pier winch gear, but in case you haven't, check these out! Where there's a will, there's a way! I am really wishing I lived on Whidbey right now!! I would love to keep eyes on these chicks when they hatch. :D
I hope you all have a fabulous week, both on and off the beach!
— Shannon