Week 12: August 18th - 24th
How about these lightning storms to kick off Week 12?? Exciting times! There have also been a few other exciting things happening this week--for one, fledglings abound! I'm hearing more and more reports of our sweet little ones, flapping, diving, and floating around. Some have been spotted congregating just offshore of our colonies and some right up in the shallows amongst adult birds--the latter being very recently fledged, I suspect.
Maria Ruth texted to let me know that one of her Edgewater Beach team members, Susan Morgan, actually watched a chick fledge from its burrow! They've been staking out the colony in the evenings and Susan was finally rewarded. This happened at 9:04pm last Sunday--so that fits with what studies have told us about PIGU fledging in the evening, around dusk. I'm hoping to get some pics to share in the coming week.
Here's a freshie I spotted yesterday, happily exploring its new marine habitat at Amsterdam Bay. It was diving and paddling around like it already knew just what to do! I have to say, my heart swelled with pride. I could see another chick just inside our last active burrow. I imagine it will be joining its "cousin" out on the water soon!
Lac Pope found three juveniles hanging out about 100 yards offshore from Fort Casey (Whidbey Island), head dipping and diving. Here are two of that dapper crew:
I also had a wildlife photographer from the public reach out to me. Lourdes Venard came across my weekly updates on our website and saw my call for fledgling photos. She's been enjoying capturing snaps of PIGU throughout the summer and sent me this juvenile she spotted at Monroe Landing on Whidbey Island. Thank you, Lourdes--what a cutie!!
And in other exciting news, while a large group of photogs and birders were up at Fort Worden to see the wayward Red-footed Booby, another rarity was spotted--an all black PIGU!! This caused quite a stir early on in the week. It was presumed that this may be an all black PIGU subspecies, typically from the Kuril Islands of Russia, called Snowi. East Jefferson photog and surveyor, Hillary Smith, was able to snap some pics of this guy, and the photos were distributed to the experts. According to plumage expert, Peter Pyle, this bird is likely a melanistic local PIGU, rather than a Snowi, but there may not really be any way to tell. It's still super interesting and a fun find, nonetheless! It turns out, Peter has seen reports of another black PIGU near the Canadian border last fall. Karin Ertl also saw one at Point No Point two weeks ago, which could be the same bird!
How cool is that?! I'm always amazed at how much there is still to learn. Here is the ebird report, if you would like to see more photos: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191240167.
Has anyone else spotted PIGU with unique plumage? I've seen some with unusual wing patches, but nothing quite like this. I think this guy needs a special name--let me know if you think of something fun. :)
I don't really have much business this week! I'm working on a flyer for our End of Season Celebration. It's not quite ready yet, so I'll send that out later in the week for you to pass on to surveyors.
Edit to add: Safety always comes first. If lightning and thunderstorms do occur at the time you've planned your survey, you may always postpone your survey by a day or two. Do not go out on the beach or water if conditions are not safe or you do not feel comfortable in any particular situation.
Have a great week, all!
— Shannon