seabirds

Contribute to Science Through Birding

Contribute to Science Through Birding

The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is looking for birders in Eastside Audubon’s catchment area to join this established Community Science program.

PSSS - Richmond Beach - Linda and John Mutfeldt, and Kristin Campbell (black hoodie) © Toby Ross - Oct 2015

The Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS) is a community science survey created by Seattle Audubon in 2007 and continued by the Puget Sound Bird Observatory since 2022. This survey effort trains volunteer birdwatchers to gather valuable data on wintering seabird populations in Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. 

Volunteers are asked to conduct 7 surveys with a small team of fellow surveyors at specific locations throughout the Sound. All surveys are synchronized to take place once per month on the first Saturday in October – April. You will be provided training in the survey technique, and ideally will have good seabird identification skills. However, there are roles on the survey teams for birders of all levels. Now in its 15th season, you’ll be contributing to valuable science that monitors wintering seabirds across Puget Sound and informs important management decisions.

Some of the members of Eastside Audubon Society already participate in the Puget Sound Seabird Survey, and we would love to have more Eastside folks participate.

Previously, the project was part of Birds Connect Seattle’s (formerly Seattle Audubon) science program but transitioned to its new home at Puget Sound Bird Observatory in 2022. More information can be found on our website and if interested in taking part, please reach out to Program Manager Toby Ross t_ross@pugetsoundbirds.org

Common Murre

Common Murre

The Common Murre (COMU) is about 17” long with a wingspan of 26”. The genus name Uria (YOU-rih-ah) is from the Greek ourein, to dive. The species name aalge (AHL-geh) is the Scandinavian word for bird. The common name (MER) is of obscure European origin and may be related to marrot, local English dialect, for an auk, guillemot, or puffin.

Fork-tailed Storm Petrel

Fork-tailed Storm Petrel

The cascading song of the Canyon Wren descends from cliffs and canyon walls, and is surely not forgotten once heard. It is most often heard in spring, but there are times when a mated pair will sing spontaneously at other times of year. It is a bird of the west and is found from southern British Columbia to Mexico. In Washington, the Canyon Wren resides along the eastern slope of the Cascade Range and in canyons farther east. 

Pigeon Guillemot

Pigeon Guillemot

The Pigeon Guillemot (PIGU) is a member of the auk family and is about 13-1/2” long. It is generally found close to rocky shores along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California. The genus name Cepphus is from the Greek kepphus meaning sea bird; the species name columba is from the Latin for dove or pigeon.

Double-crested Cormorant

Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant (DCCO) is about 32" long and has a wing span of about 52". Its genus phalakros is from Greek for bald, and kora for crow or raven. The family includes only cormorants of which there are 30 in the world and 6 in North America. The species auritus is Latin for eared or crested and refers to the rarely seen tufts on the crown.