We’ve updated the Cassin’s Auklet graphic to include December’s monthly encounter rate, with surveys received through Jan 22, 2015. A few more weeks into February and we’ll be able to add January as well. Currently, January totals are the highest of the four months, but that may change as the number of entered and verified surveys grows.
(c) T. Johnson. All rights reserved.
We figured COASSTers would want to check out this photo (which Charlie rounded up from Tom). Did you note the COASST ID characters on this one?
- Short, stout bill with pale spot at base
- White spot(s) around eye
- Gray underwing with pale central band
Woo hoo! That’s how we know it’s not a Kittlitz’s or Marbled Murrelet, nor a Rhinoceros or Parakeet Auklet. And this late into the year (Nov-Jun), juvenile murres are all teenagers – at least the same size as adults – so it’s not one of those, either.
Keep on going, COASSTers! At this rate, Cassin’s Auklets might surpass Northern Fulmars for the number two spot on the COASST species list – if so, you’ll be the first to know!
Came upon a dead Cassin Auklet last evening on the south beach of Ocean Shores. Came upon 5 dead ones this AM in close vicinity of each other. Read there was a kill off the Oregon Coast thislst winter. These birds are plumb, no trauma to them. Please pass this info onto the appropriate department.