PACIFIC SEABIRDS - Volume 46, Number 2 2019 - Pacific Seabird Group
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PACIFIC
SEABIRDS
A Publication of the Pacific Seabird Group
Volume 46, Number 2 2019
PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP
Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment
The Pacific Seabird Group (PSG) is a society of professional seabird researchers and managers dedicated to the study
and conservation of seabirds. PSG was formed in 1972 out of a need for increased communication among academic and
government seabird researchers. The principal goals of PSG are to (1) increase the quality and quantity of seabird research
through facilitating exchange of information; (2) identify and assess the importance of threats to seabird populations;
and (3) provide government agencies and others with expert advice on managing populations of seabirds. PSG is headed
by an Executive Council composed of members volunteering their time. Members include biologists, wildlife managers,
students, and conservationists from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan and 12 other countries. PSG annual meetings
and publications provide forums where members can share their findings on all research topics relating to Pacific seabirds
and discuss local and large scale conservation issues. Abstracts for meetings are published on our website. PSG publishes
the on-line bulletin Pacific Seabirds (formerly the PSG Bulletin; www.pacificseabirdgroup.org) and the journal Marine
Ornithology (www.marineornithology.org). Other publications include symposium volumes and technical reports; these
are listed near the back of this issue. PSG is a member of the Ornithological Council and the American Bird Conservancy.
Annual dues for membership are US$50 (individual); US$35 (student, undergraduate and graduate); and US$1,500 (Life
Membership, payable in five US$300 installments). Two-year memberships are also available for individuals for US$90
and for sudents for US$55. Dues are payable on our website or by check to the to the Treasurer; see the PSG website or the
Membership Information at the back of this issue.
Website
http://www.pacificseabirdgroup.org
Donations
The Pacific Seabird Group is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of California. Contributions
to the Pacific Seabird Group are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law (IRS Section 501[c][3]).
Pacific Seabirds
This on-line bulletin reports on the work and committee activities of the Pacific Seabird Group, conservation news, and
other items of importance to conservation of seabirds in the Pacific Ocean. The bulletin is published twice-yearly on the
PSG website and reports membership news and archives PSG activities. This issue provides current and recent seabird work
to PSG members for 2019. Back issues of Pacific Seabirds are posted on the group’s website.
Pacific Seabirds Editor
Jennifer Lang, editor@pacificseabirdgroup.org
Associate Editors
Theodore Squires, Jane Dolliver, Olivia Bailey
Marine Ornithology
Marine Ornithology is published by the Pacific Seabird Group on behalf of a consortium of seabird groups: African, Aus-
tralasian, Dutch, Japanese, Pacific, and UK. The journal is published two times a year and publishes contributed papers,
forum articles, and book, website and software reviews, on all aspects of marine ornithology worldwide. For details on
submitting to the journal, please go to marineornithology.org.
Change of Address
Send changes of address to the PSG Membership Coordinator, Emma Kelsey, membership@pacificseabirdgroup.org
Photo Credit
All photographs in this issue were generously provided by PSG members. Photo credits are attributed to each image.
PACIFIC SEABIRDS
A Publication of the Pacific Seabirds Group
Dedicated to the Study and Conservation of Pacific Seabirds and Their Environment
Volume 46 2019 Number 2
Regional Reports for 2019
Alaska and Russia................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Washington and Oregon..........................................................................................................................................................................52
Northern California................................................................................................................................................................................ 56
Southern California..................................................................................................................................................................................61
Hawaiʻi.......................................................................................................................................................................................................62
Non-Pacific United States....................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Latin America.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Canada...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Asia and Oceania......................................................................................................................................................................................70
Europe and Africa....................................................................................................................................................................................72
Circumpolar..............................................................................................................................................................................................72
Antarctica..................................................................................................................................................................................................72
Global.........................................................................................................................................................................................................72
PSG’s Treasurer’s Report for FY2019............................................................................................................................................74
General Information
Information on the Pacific Seabird Group...............................................................................................................Inside Front Cover
Publications of the Pacific Seabird Group.............................................................................................................................................79
PSG Committee Coordinators................................................................................................................................................................81
PSG Life Members and Recipients of Awards..................................................................................................................................... 83
Membership Information....................................................................................................................................................................... 84
PSG Executive Council for 2019.................................................................................................................................Inside Back Cover
REGIONAL REPORTS FOR 2019
Compiled by: Robb Kaler, Edited by: Jennifer Lang
Regional Reports summarize current and recent seabird work to PSG members. Regional Reports generally are organized by
location of the work, not affiliation of the biologist. They should not be cited without permission of the researchers.
ALASKA & RUSSIA Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and
glaucescens), Fork-tailed and Leach’s Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Compiled by Marc Romano
Storm-petrels; and Double-crested, In 2019, seabird observers for the
Red-faced, and Pelagic Cormorants Bering and Arctic surveys included
ALASKA PENINSULA (Phalacrocorax aurius, P. urile, and P. Kathy Kuletz, Liz Labunski, Brendan
Annual seabird monitoring at Chowiet pelagicus). Higgins, Marty Reedy, Charlie
Island (Semidi Islands group) was led by Jonathan Plissner (Island Wright, Linnaea Wright, and Tamara
Nora Rojek (Alaska Maritime National Conservation) and volunteers Abby Zeller. Seabird observers were placed
Wildlife Refuge) with summer-long field Newman, Megan Vynne, and Christy on eight research cruises from July
crews consisting of McKenzie Mudge Wails (Northern Illinois University to early December and conducted
and Kevin Pietrzak. They collected graduate student) with support from the approximately 11,273 km of transects;
productivity, diet, and population data on U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Alaska these data will be archived in the North
a variety of species including Common Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database.
and Thick-billed Murres (Uria aalge and staff completed an 11-year post-rat Kathy, Liz, Dan Cushing (Pole
U. lomvia), Rhinoceros and Parakeet eradication monitoring trip to Hawadax Star Ecological Research LLC), and
Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata and Island in June 2019. Automated acoustic collaborators will continue to examine
Aethia psittacula), Horned and Tufted sensors were deployed on the island to seabird distribution and abundance with
Puffins (Fratercula corniculata and monitor for nocturnal seabirds with respect to environmental conditions in
F. cirrhata), Black-legged Kittiwake a focus on Leach’s Storm-petrel, and this rapidly changing sub-Arctic and
(Rissa tridactyla), Glaucous-winged searches for Tufted Puffin and Glaucous- Arctic ecosystem.
Gull (Larus glaucescens), and Northern winged Gull nests were conducted. The Alaska Maritime National
Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis). Peter Kappes joined Nora Rojek Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR) conducted
(USFWS) and Heather Renner a research cruise to St. Matthew Island
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS (USFWS) on a research cruise in in late July and early August aboard
Annual seabird monitoring at Buldir the central and western Aleutians to the R/V Tiĝlax̂ . The cruise was led by
and Aiktak Islands was led by Nora assess presence/absence of invasive Marc Romano and Captain John Faris
Rojek (Alaska Maritime National rodent populations as part of feasibility (USFWS-AMNWR) and supported by
Wildlife Refuge) with summer-long studies for possible rodent eradication the crew of the R/V Tiĝlax̂ .
field crews consisting of Stacie Evans, projects on several islands managed by Brie Drummond and Tony DeGange
Daniel Schultz and Reina Gavin on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife (USFWS-AMNWR) both collected
Buldir. They collected productivity, Refuge. population and productivity data for
diet and population data on a variety of Common Murres (Uria aalge), Thick-
species including Common and Thick- BERING AND CHUKCHI SEAS billed Murres (Uria lomvia), Black-
billed Murres (Uria aalge and U. lomvia); Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla),
Parakeet (Aethia psittacula), Least (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax
(A. pusilla), Whiskered (A. pygmaea), [USFWS]) completed another year of pelagicus). Marc Romano, Aaron
and Crested (A. cristatella) Auklets; offshore seabird surveys (now spanning Christ, and Robb Kaler (USFWS)
Horned and Tufted Puffins (Fratercula 2006-2019) in the Bering, Chukchi, and completed an island-wide census for
corniculata and F. cirrhata); Black- Beaufort Seas, with support of the Bureau Pelagic Cormorants and Red-legged
legged and Red-legged Kittiwakes of Ocean Energy Management. Surveys Kittiwakes (Rissa brevirostris). The
(Rissa tridactyla and R. brevirostris); were coordinated as part of several team also conducted additional seabird
and Fork-tailed and Leach’s Storm- multidisciplinary research projects observations and explored methodology
petrels (Hydrobates furcatus and H. with a variety of partners including to recensus Alaska seabird colonies.
leucorhous). Sarah Youngren and the North Pacific Research Board In March 2019, the Circumpolar
Dan Rapp on Aiktak Island monitored Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Study, Seabird Group (CBird; an Arctic Council
Common and Thick-billed Murres; Environment Canada, National Oceanic Expert Network) met in Iceland, and
Ancient Murrelets (Synthliboramphus and Atmospheric Administration- Kathy Kuletz participated as the U.S.
antiquus); Horned and Tufted Puffins; Alaska Fisheries Science Center, representative, remotely from Alaska.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 48
REGIONAL REPORTS
Kathy worked with others in CBird to
submit a draft seabird section for the
ICES/PICES/PAME Working Group
on Integrated Ecosystem Assessment
for the Central Arctic Ocean, which
includes ‘gateway’ regions linked to
the Central Arctic. The revised draft
assessment will be submitted to the
Arctic Council in December 2019.
In May, the USFWS began receiving
reports of dead and dying seabirds
from the northern Bering and Chukchi
Seas. From late June to early August,
thousands of Short-tailed Shearwaters
(Ardenna tenuirostris) were reported
dead and washing up on beaches in the
Bristol Bay region, or observed weak and
attempting to feed from salmon gillnets
in inland waters. By mid-August, the Black-legged Kittiwake. Photo credit: David Pereksta
shearwater die-off had extended north,
in smaller numbers but widespread the toxins in emaciated, dead birds. but it is not clear whether the biotoxins
locations, into the northern Bering and Annual seabird monitoring at St. Paul played a role. These same specimens
Chukchi Seas along the coasts of Alaska and St. George Islands was led by Marc are being examined for quantification
and the Chukotka Peninsula of Russia. Romano (USFWS-AMNWR) with of presence, type, and abundance of
Puffins, murres, and auklets were also summer-long field crews consisting micro- and nano-plastics by UAA
reported, but at much lower numbers of Sarah Tanedo and Briana Bode undergraduates Jannelle Trowbridge
than shearwaters. The USFWS worked (St. Paul), and Frank Mayer, Erin and Danielle Owens, and their work was
closely with partners at the National Lefokowitz, and Kacey Srubas (St. recently highlighted in October 2019 at
Park Service, Alaska Sea Grant Marine George). Both crews collected data on the Plastic in the Arctic Workshop at
Advisory Program, Alaska Department a variety of species including Common Harvard University organized by the
of Fish & Game, Alaska Migratory Murres, Thick-billed Murres, Least Icelandic Chair of the Arctic Council.
Bird Co-management Council, Tribal Auklets (Aethia pusilla), Black-legged They are using a variety of methods for
partners, and the Coastal Observation Kittiwakes, Red-legged Kittiwakes, and detection and identification, including
and Seabird Survey Team to collect Red-faced Cormorants (Phalacrocorax broadspectrum and focused ultraviolet
information, synthesize records, and urile). The crews collected productivity, rays, and so far it appears that most
submit carcasses for testing to the diet, adult survival and population data. seabird species in most areas have
U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Douglas Causey (University of detectable levels of contamination.
National Wildlife Health Center and Alaska Anchorage [UAA]) and Veronica Veronica Padula is continuing
Alaska Science Center. Initial results Padula (University of Alaska Fairbanks study of the presence and diversity of
indicate starvation as the cause of [UAF]) travelled to St. Matthew and Hall the associated phthalate plasticizers
death for most locations. However, in Islands in July to August 2019 aboard the in breeding seabirds throughout
southeast Alaska, exposure to saxitoxin USFWS-AMNWR vessel R/V Tiĝlax̂ .. to the Bering Sea region that are now
(a biotoxin associated with paralytic continue their multiyear multiplex study understood to directly affect embryonic
shellfish poisoning) was linked in June of the dynamics of ecosystem change development and reproductive success.
to a localized die-off of breeding Arctic on Beringian Seabirds. Initial results Veronica is working to understand
Terns (Sterna paradisaea). With the of a 2-year study in this area indicates the relative effects of trophic level
exception of the localized die-off of that biotoxins (saxitocins, dimoic acid) foraging, geographic location, and age
terns in southeast Alaska, starvation has associated with Harmful Algal Blooms on phthalate exposure, and anticipates
been identified as the cause of death. (HABs) are increasingly prevalent in submitting a substantial update early
The USGS is actively investigating how Least Auklets (Aethia pusilla), Crested next year to the first publication on their
algal bloom biotoxins like saxitoxin Auklets (Aethia cristatella), and presence and effect (Causey D, Padula
affect birds. Little is known about the Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis). V. 2015. Phthalates in western Aleutian
occurrence or effects of these toxins on Some of the birds were malnourished, Islands seabirds. AccessScience https://
wild seabirds, and it is difficult to detect with significantly reduced body mass, w w w.a c ce ssscie nce.c om /c ont e nt /
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 49
REGIONAL REPORTS
YB150685). Yumi Arimitsu, Sarah Schoen, States. The work was overseen by Kyle
Alexzandrea DePue and Brittney John Piatt, Caitlin Marsteller, and Elliott (McGill University), Morgan
DePue (UAA Causey Lab) are Gary Drew (U.S. Geological Survey Benowitz-Fredericks (Bucknell
reconstructing the food web dynamics of [USGS]) completed another year of University), and Scott Hatch (Institute
the Aleutian and the northern Bering Sea seabird and forage fish monitoring in for Seabird Research and Conservation).
seabird community using stable isotope Lower Cook Inlet during summer 2019. Scott and Martha Hatch, joined by
analyses of food, tissue, and feathers of This project, supported by the USGS Shawn and Kelly Pummill, opened
archival specimens collected in the last Outer Continental Shelf program and the season in early April for spring
decade. Preliminary results suggest that Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cleaning, facility maintenance, and
diet and foraging patterns are becoming aims to document the status and trends camp set-up. The core research team—
increasingly more variable, with some of seabirds and forage fish by repeating Kyle, Morgan, camp leaders Shannon
species (e.g., Black-legged Kittiwakes, surveys conducted in the late 1990s. Whelan (McGill), Drew Sauve
Pigeon Guillemot [Cepphus columba]) The work includes at-sea surveys for (Queen’s University, Canada), and
appearing to feed at lower trophic levels marine birds, acoustic-trawl surveys Jenna Schlener (McGill), with Hannes
than previously known. for forage fish, physical and biological Schraft (McGill), Hannah Weipert
Maile Branson (UAA, UAF) oceanography, as well as monitoring of (Texas), Abe Turner (Michigan),
continues her PhD research focused population and productivity of Common Dan Netti (New York), Sierra Pete
on the diversity of Avian Influenza Murres (Uria aalge) and Black-legged (Bucknell), Catherine Lee-Zuck,
subtypes among Beringian seabirds, Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) at two Frederique Tremblay, and Emily
primarily from the Pribilof and St. colonies. Choy (McGill), Naya Sena (Hokkaido
Matthew Islands. Her work with Kathy Kuletz and Liz Labunski University), Akiko Shoji (University
Douglas Causey and Eric Bortz (UAA) (USFWS) worked with Dan Cushing of Tsukuba), Emma Lachance
indicates that new subtypes associated (Pole Star Ecological Research LLC), Linklater (Queen’s), Ethan Hermer
with Black Guillemots (Cepphus to continue the Seward Line long-term (University of Ottawa), and Baptiste
grylle) and Glaucous Gulls (Larus monitoring in the northern Gulf of Garde (Swansea University) arrived at
hyperboreus) may have origins in High Alaska (GOA), funded by the North intervals from early May through July
Arctic circumpolar regions. High titres Pacific Research Board. In 2018, this and continued the work through August
were observed in birds with elevated project was expanded to three seasons 15. Jonathan Green (University of
biotoxins, which are known to suppress over a larger area, and in 2019, Kathy Liverpool) provided on-site training for
immune function, but it is not clear at and others continued to conduct seabird the implantation of heart-rate monitors
this time whether these are related. surveys as part of the Northern Gulf of in Black-legged Kittiwakes and
Alaska-Long Term Ecosystem Research Common Murres. Kristen Gorman and
(NGA-LTER) study, with funding Anne Schaefer (Prince William Sound
GULF OF ALASKA from National Science Foundation Science Center) launched a second year
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and Gulf Watch Alaska. The team of seasonal tracking of Tufted Puffins
biologist Robin Corcoran (U.S. also began collaboration with the (Fratercula cirrhata) using geolocators.
Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]) California Current Ecosystem LTER Lingering effects—or a re-emergence—
completed breeding nearshore marine team, to compare seabird response of the recent marine heatwave were
bird surveys in June and August on to changes in the two systems. As evident in 2019, especially in exceptional
the east side of Kodiak Island. This is part of the USFWS offshore program, wide-range foraging by Black-legged
a skiff-based line transect survey with Callie Gesmundo (USFWS) joined a Kittiwakes from spring arrvial through
the goal of determining population University of Alaska Fairbanks project chick-rearing.
estimates, long-term trends, and to explore seamount communities in the With primary financial support
habitat associations for key marine bird GOA. Callie conducted seabird surveys from the National Fish and Wildlife
species including Marbled Murrelet during the 14-day expedition on board Foundation, the PSG Aleutian Tern
(Brachyramphus marmoratus), Pigeon the R/V Sikuliaq. Crews completed Technical Committee convened a
Guillemot (Cepphus columba), Arctic approximately 5,622 km of surveys Conservation Planning meeting in
and Aleutian Tern (Sterna paradisaea during the GOA projects, and those Anchorage, Alaska, April 8-10,
and Onychoprion aleuticus), Harlequin data will be added to the North Pacific 2019. Jan Caulfield facilitated, and
Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), and Pelagic Seabird Database. statisticians Trent McDonald and
Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus Seabird research and monitoring Jason Carlisle (Western Ecosystems,
bachmani). Approximately 20% of the continued on Middleton Island in 2019, Inc.) served as project consultants.
1,600 km shoreline was systematically conducted by an international team from The meeting objective was to
surveyed. Canada, Japan, Britain and the United facilitate a common understanding of
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 50
REGIONAL REPORTS
alternative sampling and population chicks on the Kodiak road system, in Prince William Sound from May
estimation methods for Aleutian Terns a record high since banding efforts 22 to July 3 and on Alaganik Colony
(Onychoprion aleuticus) at breeding began in 2017. They also collected from June 6 to 26. A total of 45,335
colonies, including assumptions, habitat data at 75 Aleutian Tern nests photos were collected on the Alaganik
advantages, and limitations. and corresponding paired points. Jill Colony and 67,568 on the Ternagain
Melissa Gabrielson (U.S. Forest Tengeres, Melissa Gabrielson, Susan Colony. Reconyx camera footage
Service [USFS]) conducted the Copper Oehlers (USFS), and others deployed indicated the presence of chicks,
River Delta Aleutian Tern aerial 16 Song Meter units at 13 Aleutian Tern provisioning of chicks by adults, and
survey on May 21, 2019. The survey colonies for a total of 1,446 recording adult presence/absence. Susan Oehlers
encompassed the entire Copper River days. Acoustics data will be analyzed deployed 23 nest cameras. Nine nests
Delta from the Heney Mountain Range by Conservation Metrics, Inc. were depredated during incubation,
to Controller Bay. Approximately 15 Mike Goldstein (USFS), Susan seven nests had unknown fates, six
different congregations were observed Oehlers, Trent MacDonald, Jason nests successfully hatched chicks, and
during the aerial survey, and at least Carlisle, and Jill Tengeres continued one nest was abandoned during the
4 colonies were identified. Most were work initiated in 2018, testing the use of incubation period.
observed on the west Copper River drones to survey tern colonies in Yakutat Jill Tengeres, Robin Corcoran,
Delta (n=13). Pictures were taken to (Black Sand Spit, Italio, Ankau) and Andrea Mendez-Bye, Morgan
document flock size. Approximately Kodiak. They collected approximately Barnes, and Melissa Crews placed nest
cameras on 54 Aleutian Tern nests, and
monitored an additional 62 nests without
cameras. Nest cameras provided data
on nest survival rates, causes of nest
failure, and chick provisioning.
Martin Renner conducted
photographic sampling of prey delivery
to establish a baseline diet for Aleutian
Tern chicks. Sampling took place in
Yakutat, Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak.
Comparative opportunistic images of
Arctic Tern bill loads were taken at
Yakutat, Kodiak, and Anchorage. Image
review and prey sample identification
continues.
Mike Goldstein recovered two
geolocators from birds tagged in 2010,
and sent the tags to the British Antarctic
Rhinoceros Auklet. Photo credit: David Pereksta Survey to ascertain whether they can
acquire the data stored on board. This
116 birds were observed, and flock size 6,500 photos in Yakutat using a mix of is a total of four new tags in addition to
ranged from 1 to 20 birds. census and survey sampling methods. the six discussed in the 2019 publication
Kelly Nesvacil (Alaska Department They completed visual surveys (direct (Goldstein, M.I., Duffy, D.C., Oehlers,
of Fish and Game [ADFG]), Don Lyons counts) during all flights to estimate the S., Catterson, N., Frederick, J. and S.
(Audubon/Oregon State University number of flying birds and the species Pyare. 2019. Interseasonal movements
[OSU]), Robin Corcoran (USFWS), ratio. and non-breeding locations of Aleutian
Jill Tengeres (OSU), and Tori Rhodes Martin Renner (Tern Again Terns Onychoprion aleuticus. Marine
(ADFG) deployed ten 2-gram solar Consulting) surveyed using a drone Ornithology 47: 67-76).
Platform Transmitting Terminal tags on in Yakutat, Homer, Kenai Peninsula, Sanjay Pyare (University of Alaska
Aleutian Terns (five terns at the Middle and Kodiak. Some way-points sampled Southeast) completed five months of
Bay colony and five terns at the Burton earlier by West, Inc. were replicated Aleutian Tern international research and
Ranch colony). Jill Tengeres and and alternative sampling protocols were networking with Indonesian researchers,
USFWS Volunteers Andrea Mendez- tested. All photographs collected from government agencies, and students,
Bye, Morgan Barnes, and Melissa drones are under review. supported by a 2018-2019 Fulbright
Crews banded 29 Aleutian Tern adults Melissa Gabrielson deployed a award entitled “Aleutian Tern migration
and 12 Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) Reconyx camera on Ternagain Colony research as a flagship for Indonesian-
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 51REGIONAL REPORTS
U.S. collaboration, conservation and harvest for the eighth season (for Monitoring Common Murre (Uria aalge)
education.” He worked with local background see Lewis et al., Marine and Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
students, non-government organizations, Ornithology 45:165-174). After four penicillatus) Breeding Colonies in the
agencies, researchers, and community years of collaborative experimental egg California Current System” at sites in
members, promoting migratory bird harvests (2015-2018), 2019 marked the Oregon and Washington. Andy Royle
research and conducting surveys for first year of a tribally-led egg harvest. (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) and
wintering terns. An additional tern Four members of the Hoonah Indian Nadav Nur (Point Blue Conservation
publication includes: Yordan, K., B. Association harvested all eggs at a Science), worked with refuge biologists
Emannuel, F.N, Tirtaningtyas, S. Pyare, single gull colony (Geikie Rock) on Shawn Stephensen (U.S. Fish and
and M.I. Goldstein. 2019. Locating and May 30, 2019. Tania met harvesters and Wildlife Service [USFWS]), Sue
identifying non-breeding Aleutian Terns trained them how to collect required Thomas (USFWS), and other partners
Onychoprion aleuticus in Indonesia. monitoring data including the number of to design select elements of protocols
BirdingASIA 31: 28-32. nests encountered and number of eggs that align with the aforementioned
Sam Stark (MSc student, Oregon per nest as they harvested. Harvesters Protocol Framework. These sampling
State University) completed fieldwork collected 119 eggs from 95 nests. Tania designs will allow both large-scale
for his thesis research with Dan Roby and Kiana Young (NPS, Glacier Bay (California Current System-wide) and
at Oregon State University and will National Park and Preserve) returned local inference on population trends
defend his thesis in December 2019. to the colony on June 25 and conducted and distribution of both species. Steve
His research, which was funded by the a ground survey to assess the colony’s Holzman (USFWS), the USFWS’
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation success in replacing clutches and Pacific Seabird Program Data Manager,
and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee recorded 207 eggs in 97 nests. Tania worked on a number of priority data
Council, is part of a long-term effort and Kiana also conducted a vessel- management projects, including the
led by David Irons (USFWS, retired) based survey on August 6 and counted Pacific Seabird Monitoring Database,
and Robb Kaler (USFWS) to restore 270 adults and 65 chicks of the year, updating the California Seabird Colony
the breeding population of Pigeon indicating a successful breeding season Catalog, supporting the Hawaii Seabird
Guillemots in Prince William Sound, at this location despite the complete egg Colony Catalog update (USGS),
Alaska, in the aftermath of the Exxon removal in May. assembling a Geospatial Information
Valdez oil spill. Sam’s project found At St. Lazaria Island, Brendan System (GIS) Seabird Colony database,
that the removal of introduced mink Higgins and Jillian Soller (U.S. Fish designing field data entry apps for
(Neovison vison) from the Naked Island and Wildlife Service Alaska Maritime Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata),
Group in central Prince William Sound National Wildlife Refuge) collected and advising the USFWS Albatross
resulted in an immediate and sustained productivity, population, and diet data Demography Program. Work is ongoing
increase in guillemot abundance and on Common Murres (Uria aalge), Thick- to fill a Coordinator position for the
nesting success. Sam’s work also billed Murres (Uria lomvia), Rhinoceros USFWS Pacific Seabird Program
evaluated the use of artificial social Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), to advance seabird monitoring,
attraction to encourage both Pigeon Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata), conservation and coordination among
Guillemots and Parakeet Auklets Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus USFWS regional offices in California,
(Aethia psittacula) to nest in historical bachmani), Glaucous-winged Oregon, and Washington. Roberta
habitat that was abandoned following Gulls, Fork-tailed Storm-petrels Swift, Rob Doster, and Holly Freifeld
mink introduction and the Exxon Valdez (Oceanodroma furcata), Leach’s Storm- (all USFWS) did consecutive 120-day
oil spill. Social attraction resulted in at petrels (O. leucorhoa), and Pelagic details, where each served as Interim
least one nesting attempt by Parakeet Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus). Coordinator in 2019.
Auklets in 2018, the first on Naked In April 2019, the Marbled Murrelet
Island since the oil spill, and increased Effectiveness Monitoring Program
attendance by Pigeon Guillemots at sites provided a summary report on
where social attraction was deployed. WASHINGTON & monitoring results from at-sea surveys
OREGON for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus
SOUTHEAST ALASKA Compiled by Rachael Orben marmoratus; MAMU), which occurred
in nearshore waters in the Strait of Juan
Tania Lewis (National Park Service OREGON & WASHINGTON-WIDE de Fuca, Puget Sound, and at the San
[NPS], Glacier Bay National Park and Work continued to develop sampling Juan Islands (i.e., Conservation Zone 1),
Preserve) monitored Glaucous-winged designs and data analysis procedures and off northern & central Oregon (i.e.,
Gull (Larus glaucescens) productivity for site-specific protocols to implement Conservation Zone 3) in 2018. Reports
in Glacier Bay to inform native egg the “National Protocol Framework for are completed every five years to assess
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 52REGIONAL REPORTS
Wildlife Service [USFWS] Washington
Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Complex [WMNWRC]) continued
their long-term study of reproductive
success patterns of Rhinoceros Auklets
(Cerorhinca monocerata) on Protection
(13th year) and Destruction (10th year)
Islands, Washington. Burrow occupancy
was comparable to long-term averages
on both islands, suggesting that the
breeding population on Protection
Island has recovered following the adult
mass mortality event of 2016. Fledging
success on Protection (87%) was slightly
higher than the long-term average of
79%. On Destruction, fledging success
was comparable to long-term averages.
Dietary studies were conducted during
Brandt’s Cormorant. Photo credit: David Pereksta the early and late chick-rearing stages
on both islands, with diet composition
population trends and nesting habitat in habitat trend) underwent peer-review on both islands similar to previous
the Northwest Forest Plan area, which in late 2019, and online publication years. The diet on Protection continues
includes most of the murrelet’s range of the report (Forest Service General to be dominated by Pacific sand lance
in Washington, Oregon, and California. Technical Report) is expected in 2020. (Ammodytes personatus), with the
This and other program reports can Other contributors to the monitoring Destruction diet characterized by
be accessed online at: https://www. program include: Kim Nelson (Oregon a much wider variety of forage fish
fs.fed.us/r6/reo/monitoring/murrelet/. State University); Jim Baldwin, Nels species.
The goal of this monitoring program Johnson, Teresa Lorenz, Martin In addition to the Rhinoceros
is to estimate MAMU populations Raphael (U.S. Forest Service), Deanna Auklet study, they also continued their
and trends and to evaluate the Lynch, Bill McIver (coordinator), and conservation research program on
effectiveness of the Northwest Forest Rich Young (USFWS). Many qualified Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata),
Plan in conserving MAMU from the seasonal biologists made the population focusing on mapping of active breeding
Canada-Washington border to central surveys possible in 2019, including: burrows on Smith and Destruction
California. The program has used boat- Kelly Beach, Caanan Cowles, Chad islands and breeding season monitoring
based transects in the coastal waters Norris, Jessica Stocking, Danielle and foraging ecology of puffins on
of this area since 2000 to monitor Devincezni, and Darrel Warnock. The Destruction Island. Sue Thomas,
MAMU, and other seabird species are Population team includes Bill McIver, Lorenz Sollmann, and Juliana
also recorded. In 2019, at-sea surveys Scott Pearson, Craig Strong, Deanna Merluccio (WMNWRC) conducted two
were continued under this program, as Lynch, Martin Raphael, Rich Young, Tufted Puffin burrow count and forage
follows: surveys off the western coast of Nels Johnson, and Jim Baldwin. The fish surveys off Smith Island within
Washington were led by Scott Pearson Habitat team includes Teresa Lorenz, the San Juan Islands National Wildlife
and Monique Lance (WDFW), and Martin Raphael, Rich Young, Deanna Refuge in August. The objectives of
surveys along the coasts of southern Lynch, Kim Nelson, and Bill McIver. these surveys were to provide data to
Oregon and northern California (from Peter Hodum’s university research
Coos Bay to the southern Humboldt WASHINGTON lab for the development of a minimal
County line) were led by Craig Strong Scott Pearson (Washington breeding population estimates and
(Crescent Coastal Research). In 2019, Department of Fish and Wildlife analysis of chick diets prior to fledging.
the MAMU Effectiveness Monitoring [WDFW]), Thomas Good On Destruction Island, undergraduate
Program continued analyses of status (National Oceanic and Atmospheric research student Lilli Patton (University
and trend of MAMU population and Administration [NOAA] Northwest of Puget Sound) conducted a study of
habitat over the 1994–2018 time period, Fisheries Science Center), Peter puffin diet by photographing arriving
for the program’s “25-year Report”; Hodum (University of Puget Sound and adults with bill loads of prey. She is
chapter drafts of the report (one chapter Oikonos), Eric Wagner (independent currently analyzing bill load photos
for population trend and one chapter for writer), and Sue Thomas (U.S. Fish and from the 2017-2019 breeding seasons.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 53REGIONAL REPORTS
The team also began a complementary the 2003 Georgia Basin/Puget Sound in the future.
study of diet using a genetic barcoding Research Conference. The objective Anna Wuest (NOAA Hollings
approach on fecal samples collected at is to periodically reassess abundance Scholar), Jason E. Jannot (NOAA
puffin burrows. of breeding guillemots on refuge Northwest Fisheries Science Center),
They also initiated a long-term islands every 5-10 years and gauge the and Thomas Good embarked on a
seabird monitoring program on Jagged need for an additional comprehensive modeling project to develop more
and Alexander islands during the 2019 survey throughout the Salish Sea. accurate and less volatile estimates
breeding season, deploying trail cameras They also participated in the Pacific of seabird bycatch in U.S. West Coast
and acoustic recording units and Flyway Double-crested Cormorant groundfish fisheries. The team used
establishing initial burrow monitoring (Phalacrocorax auritus) survey of seven Bayesian time-series models, which have
plots to begin long-term monitoring islands in the San Juan Islands and been shown to provide better precision
of population trends among multiple Quillayute Needles National Wildlife and more stable inter-annual estimates
species, including Tufted Puffins, Refuges in July. Objectives have been than ratio estimators, to estimate
Rhinoceros Auklets, Fork-tailed and expanded to monitor all cormorant Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria
Leach’s Storm-petrels (Oceanodroma species breeding on select refuge nigripes) bycatch in the U.S. West
furcata and O. leucorhoa), and Cassin’s islands including Pelagic and Brandt’s Coast (Washington, Oregon, California)
Auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus). Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus demersal longline fishery targeting
Sue Thomas (WMNWRC) and P. penicillatus). Once again, a sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Results
participated in two worst-case scenario limited number of Brandt’s Cormorants from this work are being prepared for
oil spill drills at oil refineries within 8 nests were observed (rare for the Salish presentations and a publication.
nautical miles of seabird colonies in the Sea).
Salish Sea. She is also providing input Scott Pearson, Martin Raphael, and OREGON
to initial response strategies for seabird Teresa Lorenz conducted nighttime Researchers from Oregon State
colonies in updates of two Geographic captures for Marbled Murrelets for a University (OSU) and cooperators
Response Plans in the area. Sue Thomas study of murrelet diet in Puget Sound. continued to study interactions between
also participated in a pilot study to Martin Raphael, Teresa Lorenz, seabirds and forage fish in the Pacific
monitor breeding success of burrow- and Tom Bloxton published an article Northwest in 2019. This year, research
nesting seabirds on Quillayute Needles on outcomes of monitored Marbled and monitoring was focused on the
National Wildlife Refuge. Murrelet nests from a 5-year telemetry Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
Sue Thomas, Juliana Merluccio, study in Washington, 2004-2008 colony at East Sand Island in the
and Lorenz Sollmann conducted (Lorenz et al. 2019, Marine Ornithology Columbia River estuary. Investigations
one aerial surface nesting seabird 47:157-166). into the effects of avian predation
survey of 27 islands within Flattery Elizabeth Phillips is a National on survival of juvenile salmonids
Rocks, Quillayute Needles, and Research Council postdoctoral research (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Columbia
Copalis National Wildlife Refuges on associate, based at NOAA Fisheries River basin were a continuing emphasis
July 9. Through a Memorandum of Northwest Fisheries Science Center of this research. Management by the
Understanding with the Makah Tribe, in Seattle. She is working with Sandy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their
Sue, Juliana, and Lorenz worked with Parker-Stetter (NOAA) to quantify the cooperators continued to limit Caspian
Tribal Biologist, Shannon Murphy, to spatiotemporal distribution, abundance, Tern nesting habitat at East Sand Island
incorporate aerial surveys of Common and drivers of euphausiids (krill) in to 0.4 hectares (1 acre) as part of efforts
Murres (Uria aalge) on Tatoosh Island the California Current using acoustic to reduce Caspian Tern predation on
as well. Minimal to no activity was noted data collected during the Integrated threatened and endangered Columbia
on murre colonies with the exception of Ecosystem and Pacific Hake Acoustic- River salmonid populations. The
Carroll and Tatoosh Islands while a new Trawl Survey. The time series (2003- research team monitored the response
colony was established on Silversides 2019) being developed will inform of terns to this management using a
(Washington Seabird Colony #155039). research on recent seabird die-offs combination of banded tern resighting,
Staff from WMNWRC also completed and colony abandonment events, and identification of forage fish prey types,
one early morning survey each of 26 facilitate predictions of krill abundance unmanned aerial vehicle photography
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) and distribution during marine heat of the East Sand Island tern colony,
colonies on Protection Island and San waves and under various climate change and aerial surveys of other potential
Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuges scenarios. Protocols for processing nesting sites within the region. In 2019,
in May. They followed the methodology acoustic data for krill classification are because of competition for nesting
developed by Joe Evenson (WDFW) being formalized so that these data will territories with Glaucous-winged/
and presented in the proceedings of be standard outputs of NOAA surveys Western Gulls (Larus glaucescens x L.
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 54REGIONAL REPORTS
occidentalis), Caspian Terns occupied efforts to complete the Monitoring of nests to determine chick provisioning
only 0.35 hectares (0.86 acres) of the Strategy for the Western Population of rates and diet. This work is supported
prepared colony area at East Sand Double-crested Cormorants within the by funding from the Institute for
Island. The research team estimated the Pacific Flyway for 2019. The Oregon Working Forest Landscapes within the
size of the tern colony within the 0.35 Department of Fish and Wildlife and College of Forestry at OSU and the U.S.
hectares at about 3,800 breeding pair; the Washington Department of Fish and Department of Agriculture National
nesting success was fair to poor, despite Wildlife provided funding. Institute of Food and Agriculture,
hundreds of young terns being fledged. The Oregon Marbled Murrelet McIntire Stennis project 1014995. The
The research team included Dan Roby Project, led by OSU, continued project principle investigators are Jim
(Professor – retired, OSU), Tim Lawes their research on Marbled Murrelet Rivers, Kim Nelson, Dan Roby, and
(Senior Faculty Research Assistant, (Brachyramphus marmoratus) space Matt Betts. Research assistants are
OSU), Olivia Bailey (Field Crew use along the central Oregon Coast. In Lindsay Adrean, Ethan Woodis,
Leader, OSU), Kirsten Bixler (Faculty 2019, 46 murrelets were captured and and Jon Dauchenhaus. The project is
Research Assistant, OSU), Don Lyons deployed with Very High Frequency managed by Jenn Bailey-Guerrero and
(Assistant Professor–Senior Research, (VHF) telemetry tags and four active assisted by a post-doc, Sophie Garcia-
OSU; Director of Conservation Science, nests were found (two successful, two Heras. A field crew of 10-15 technicians
Seabird Restoration Program, National failed). To date, 190 adult murrelets s helped collect field data.
Audubon Society), Adam Peck- have been captured and marked during 2019 was the 13th consecutive year
Richardson (Research Associate, the 2017-2019 breeding seasons and 12 of monitoring at the Yaquina Head
OSU), and Emily Scott (Seasonal Field active nests have been located (no birds colony in Newport, Oregon. Jessica
Technician, OSU). The Bonneville nested in 2017). Research focuses on Porquez (Faculty Research Assistant,
Power Administration and U.S. Fish and exploring breeding season movements OSU), Robert Vargas (Environment
Wildlife Service provided funding. and marine space use, looking at the for the Americas Intern), Cassidy
Dan Roby and Tim Lawes collected synergistic effects of nesting habitat Turner (OSU undergraduate, URSA
aerial photography and provided colony loss and changing ocean conditions on Engage Intern), Jane Dolliver (MSc
size enumeration from aerial imagery murrelet occupancy, and determining Student, OSU), and Rachael Orben
for colony locations in interior Oregon inland habitat characteristics at a variety (Assistant Professor, Senior Research,
and Washington of Double-crested of spatial scales. In addition, customized OSU) monitored nesting Common
Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) digital video cameras are being used to Murres (Uria aalge) and Pelagic and
in 2019. This work contributed to the provide around-the-clock surveillance Brandt’s Cormorants (Phalacrocorax
Laysan Albatrosses. Photo credit: David Pereksta
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 55REGIONAL REPORTS
pelagicus and P. penicillatus). In 2019, installed two nest boxes for Pigeon the two smaller North Pacific species,
higher hatching rates (0.69) of Common Guillemots (Cepphus columba) Black-footed Albatross (P. nigripes) and
Murres and comparable fledging rates underneath the ship operations dock Laysan Albatross (P. immutabilis) are
(0.79 of hatched eggs) to 2018 marked at the Hatfield Marine Science Center only identifiable on the WorldView-3
a second year of higher reproductive for education, outreach, and research platform. Panchromatic image counts
success following sustained years of purposes for the fourth year. This year can accurately model in-field counts
near failure (2015-2017). The median three chicks fledged. A live feed was when accounting for platform, species,
hatch date (July 9) was later than the available (http://webcam.oregonstate. and vegetation cover. Using the best-
long-term mean. Predator disturbances edu/pigu). performing, panchromatic model the
(primarily Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus Adam Peck-Richardson, Rachael team estimated a colony of Short-tailed
leucophalus) at the colony were the Orben, and Don Lyons completed the Albatross breeding in the Senkaku
lowest in 2019 in ten years. Disturbance first full year of an interdisciplinary Islands has expanded to a minimum of
events at one sub-colony (Flat Top project using novel biologging tags 166 adult birds.
Rock) however, led to abandonment of on diving seabirds (Phalacrocorax
the rock, a response that monitors have spp.) to collect oceanographic data. In
consistently observed from 2013-2019. 2019, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants NORTHERN
Both Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants were captured in the Columbia River CALIFORNIA
had high chick fledging rates (1.89 and estuary and fitted with integrated Global Compiled by Kirsten Lindquist
2.36 fledglings/nest, respectively). The Positioning System - Global System for
median hatch date for both species was Mobile Communications tags (GPS- In April 2019, the Marbled Murrelet
slightly earlier than the long-term mean GSM) to measure pressure (depth), Effectiveness Monitoring Program
(LTM); Brandt’s Cormorants began temperature, and inertial motions posted a summary report on the
hatching July 5 (LTM: July 9), and (acceleration and compass bearing). monitoring results from at-sea surveys
Pelagic Cormorants on July 10 (LTM: Jim Lerczak (Professor, OSU), Greg for Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus
July 15). Wilson (Assistant Professor, OSU), marmoratus; MAMU), which occurred
Ray Martin (OSU Undergraduate) Tuba Ozkan-Haller (Associate Vice in nearshore waters in 2018. This and
and Rachael Orben monitored Western President for Research Administration other program reports can be accessed
Gulls (Larus occidentalis) at the Cleft- and Development, OSU), Doruk online at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/
in-the-Rock colony south of Yachats, Ardag (Postdoc, OSU), and Dylan reo/monitoring/murrelet/. In 2019,
Oregon, at the Yaquina Head colony, Winters (Faculty Research Assistant, at-sea surveys were continued under
and on various buildings in Newport, OSU) are processing bird-derived data this program in southern Oregon and
Oregon. This year the colony at Cleft-in- to describe water column properties, northern California (from Coos Bay to
the-Rock failed due to eagle predation. surface gravity waves, currents, and the southern Humboldt County line)
Ray piloted the use of trail cameras to bathymetry and to calibrate satellite and were led by Craig Strong (Crescent
monitor nest attendance by Western derived oceanographic models. Planning Coastal Research). Details surrounding
Gulls. This effort was funded by the began for future biologging work with this work, including a project overview
PSG Student Research Grant. Pelagic Cormorants at Middleton and the complete list of contributors, is
Jason Piasecki (OSU undergraduate) Island, Alaska, and Socotra Cormorants included in the Washington & Oregon
continued research on marine plastics (Phalacrocorax nigrogularus) in the report above.
accumulation by analyzing stomach United Arab Emirates. This effort is In addition to conducting marine
contents of beached birds along the funded by the Office of Naval Research. monitoring surveys for the Northwest
central Oregon coast. Methodology was Jane Dolliver with major advisor Forest Plan Marbled Murrelet
developed to assess the buoyancy of Rob Suryan (OSU) and collaborators population monitoring effort, Craig
plastic particles. Both diving and surface Chris Noyles (BLM), Leah Kenney Strong monitored Pelagic and Brandt’s
foraging birds were found to have (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus
ingested both negatively and positively [USFWS]), Beth Flint, Jenny Johnson and P. penicillatus) colonies and
buoyant plastic particles, suggesting (USFWS), Lindsay Young (Pacific Rim generally tracked seabird nesting
that forage fish may be a source of Conservation), and Hiroshi Hasegawa in northern California and southern
plastics. Results were presented at (Toho University), completed her thesis, Oregon (ca 40 to 43 degrees N on the
Hatfield Marine Science Center and the “Using Satellite Imagery to Count U.S. west coast). The 2019 season
2018 Pacific Estuarine Research Society Nesting Albatross from Space.” Short- was remarkable for over 90% nesting
conference. tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) failure of both cormorant species, and
Jason Piasecki, Adam Peck- are identifiable on both WorldView-2 over 97% failure for Common Murres
Richardson, and Rachael Orben and WorldView-3 satellite platforms, but (Uria aalge) in this region. Where
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 56REGIONAL REPORTS
birds attended colonies at reduced Most murrelets tracked by radar were with California Department of Fish
numbers and laid eggs into June, very at Humboldt Redwoods State Park and and Wildlife), and Daniel Barton
few cormorants fledged chicks (none in the Cooper Mill MMCA. Final analyses continued an ongoing Double-crested
monitored plots), and the proportion of of the 2019 data have not yet been Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) and
chicks in at-sea Common Murre counts conducted. The 2018 data indicated that Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
in July was 0.0018 (n=1650; the mean of after 16 years of monitoring, trends in diet study in Humboldt Bay into its
2000-2015 was 0.190). This is the second radar counts of murrelets in the MMCAs third year, obtaining numerous pellets
widespread seabird failure in this region and Reserves have differed during the at local colonies as well as locating
in the last three years, and was worse for study period; there has been a decline several thousand Passive Integrated
both cormorants than the 2017 season, in radar counts in both the Reserves and Transponder tags from salmonid tagging
which was affected by the 2015-2016 the MMCAs since the 2002 baseline, but efforts in local seabird colonies.
marine heat wave (Di Lorenzo and the decline in radar counts in MMCAs Mike Johns and Pete Warzybok
Mantua. 2016. Nature Climate Change has been smaller. (Point Blue Conservation Science) in
6: 1-7.). No ready explanation for the Claire Nasr (Bureau of Land coordination with Gerry McChesney
poor conditions has surfaced; however, Management, Humboldt State (USFWS Farallon Islands National
lag effects from the marine heat wave University [HSU]) and Daniel Barton Wildlife Refuge) continued the long-
on higher trophic levels and ongoing (HSU) continued field monitoring term program monitoring the population
anomalies are possible contributing efforts of nesting success and habitat use size, reproductive success, and diet
factors. of nearshore seabirds around Trinidad for 13 species of breeding seabirds.
Humboldt Redwood Company, LLC Head and Patrick’s Point for the seventh 2019 was a very poor breeding year
(HRC) continued the conservation consecutive year, in collaboration for most species. A moderate El Niño
activities for the Marbled Murrelet under with the Trinidad Chapter of the that developed during the previous
the company’s Habitat Conservation Seabird Protection Network (SPN) and winter persisted into the breeding
Plan (HCP). Project leaders were Sal Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Claire season leading to anomalously warm
Chinnici and Mark Freitas of HRC. Nasr completed an HSU MSc thesis sea surface temperatures, late season
The HCP requires tracking of murrelet on methodology for and application storms, reduced upwelling, and overall
occupancy and numbers over time using of seabird spatial disturbance risk low ocean productivity around the
both radar and audio-visual (AV) survey modeling. Daniel Barton continued islands. The planktivorous Cassin’s
techniques. Surveys were continued work monitoring seabirds in the region Auklets (Ptychoramphus aleuticus),
in 2019 at the Headwaters Forest using unmanned aerial vehicles to which had been experiencing above
Reserve and Humboldt Redwoods State estimate abundance and change in average productivity for the past 10
Park (the Reserves), and also at the abundance over time at colonies in the years, had their lowest breeding success
Marbled Murrelet Conservation Areas Humboldt Bay and Trinidad area. They since 2006 with fewer than 10% of sites
(MMCAs) on HRC forestlands, with observed near-complete reproductive successfully fledging a chick. Cassin’s
the collaboration of Sean McAllister failure of Common Murre at the also bred nearly a full month later than
(O’Brien Biological Consulting) and Trinidad Complex, one of the largest last season and three weeks later than
Adam Brown. complexes of murre colonies in the state, the long-term median laying date. The
Since the inception of HCP in early June 2019, the cause of which majority of breeding attempts were
monitoring (1999), occupied behaviors was unclear. This observation was subsequently abandoned. Likewise,
have been observed in the MMCAs corroborated by minimal observations Common Murre productivity was
and Reserve stands using AV surveys. of murre checks at sea in the region greatly reduced this season with the
In 2019, surveyors conducted 141 during June and July. The monitoring lowest productivity since 2009 and the
surveys at 33 stations and observed efforts at these site intersects with a fourth lowest on record for this colony.
occupied behaviors (below canopy citizen scientist project coordinated by There was both reduced breeding effort
flight or circling) in the Headwaters the SPN, and compliments outreach and reduced chick survival observed
Forest Reserve, Humboldt Redwoods efforts by the SPN to reduce seabird relative to previous years. Rhinoceros
State Park, and the Allen Creek, Bell disturbance risk at these sites, now in its Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata),
Lawrence, and Cooper Mill MMCAs. third year. Principal species monitored Pigeon Guillemots, and Western
Radar surveys track murrelets by these projects include cormorants Gulls also had reduced breeding
traveling to and from nesting areas (three Phalacrocorax spp.), Western success in 2019 when compared to
within the MMCAs and Reserves. Gull (Larus occidentalis), Pigeon last season and to the long-term mean
Radar counts are considered indices Guillemot (Cepphus columba), and productivity for these species. Pelagic
of the breeding population. In 2019, 56 Common Murre. Rebecca Garwood, Cormorants were present around the
radar surveys were conducted at 14 sites. Justin Garwood, James Ray (all island throughout the season but very
Pacific Seabirds • Volume 46 • Number 2 • 2019 • Page 57You can also read
