Pigeon Guillemot Foraging and Breeding Survey in and Near the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve

A 2014 report describes a research and monitoring study of Pigeon Guillemot conducted in and near the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve. 

Pigeon Guillemots at Zangle Cove. Photo by Bobbie Moody.
Pigeon Guillemots at Zangle Cove. Photo by Bobbie Moody.

Abstract

The first Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve and South Sound Pigeon Guillemot Foraging and Breeding Survey was conducted in summer 2013 as part of the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee monitoring program. More than 40 volunteers at 16 sites collected data weekly for one hour in the early morning, mainly during June, July, and August. Data collected included the number of adult birds seen in colonies, number of active burrows, trips to burrows, fish delivered to burrows, and disturbances to nesting areas. Gunnels were observed most often as the prey selected for chicks, followed by sculpin. Volunteers observed 50 active burrows. The pilot project provides the beginning of a dataset of the breeding population of Pigeon Guillemots in the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve and nearby vicinity. Additional sites will be added to the 2014 survey to make the study more complete. Results of the study are provided to federal and state agencies, and organizations monitoring the health of Puget Sound.
 

Citation

Mills, A. & Joyce, J. (2014). Pigeon Guillemot Foraging and Breeding Survey in the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve and South Puget Sound. Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee, Olympia, Washingon.
 
About the Author: 
Anne Mills is with the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committee and Jerry Joyce is with Washington Environmental Council.