What is PSSS?
Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS) is a citizen-science survey organized by Seattle Audubon that empowers volunteer birdwatchers to gather valuable data on wintering seabird populations in Puget Sound. Together, our team creates a snapshot of seabird density on more than 2,300 acres of nearshore saltwater habitat. It is the only land-based, multi-month survey in central or south Puget Sound.
Learn more about PSSS: Overview History/Objectives Funders
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For the 2011-12
PSSS Season
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January 7, 2012 Survey Summary:
Wow, certainly looks like January was a great month to look for seabirds! It may have been the month to find COMMON MURRES with a total of 136 being reported at six different sites, including a staggering 104 at Discovery Park! Thirty RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and 21 PIGEON GUILLEMOTS rounded out the alcids. Sixteen EARED GREBES was an exceptional tally (Sinclair Inlet/Purdy Spit South). PACIFIC LOONS did not disappoint with 95 reported, with eighty-three at Seahurt Park. A total of 38 RED-THROATED LOONS were also seen, from 18 at Carkeek Park to 8 in Sinclair Inlet. Only ten COMMON LOONS were recorded. The most numerous of the 39 species reported was, not surprisingly, SURF SCOTER with a total of 1,024. An impressive 113 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen, mostly in the south Sound at Sinclair Inlet and Purdy Spit (97). The only BLACK SCOTERS were four reported at Carkeek Park.
Other highlights: 2 THAYER'S GULLS and 1 NORTHERN SHOVELER at Discovery Park, single EURASIAN WIGEONS at Saltwater State Park and Penrose State Park, 2 BRANT at Seahurst Park, four BONAPARTE'S GULLS at Sunrise Beach County Park, and two GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Thea's Park (Tacoma).
- Most Species:Dash Point State Park (16 species).
- Busiest Site: Michael Hobbs at Sinclair Inlet (81 entries).
- Most Birds: Myrtle Edwards Park (371 birds).
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NEXT SURVEY WINDOW:
February 4, 2012
(11:33am – 3:33pm)
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