It has been a week full of change on Petit Manan Island. The majority of terns have fledged and are flying all around the island. It is a rewarding sight to see given that not too long ago, these birds were just eggs in a slight depression on the ground. Seeing all the fledglings combined with the fact that two of our crew members (Chris and Bailey) finished up their duties here on PMI is a stark reminder that the end of the season is right around the corner. I feel very lucky to have worked with both of these people. Bailey came over from Ship Island a couple of weeks ago and instantly provided a boost to the crew. It felt like we were able to get so much done with her in the squad. Chris has been with me since the beginning on PMI, and it is going to be weird to adjust to island life without him in the crew. His birding skills and overall energy were a key component of our accomplishments this season. They are as smart, dedicated, and talented as they come and they will be missed.

Common Tern fledgling. Photo Credit: Kate O’Connor

The Crew (left to right: Bailey, Lance, Kate, Chris, Alex). Photo Credit: Bailey Yliniemi
While it is a bummer to say goodbye to two crew members, the rest of the crew was excited to observe International Guillemot Appreciation Day this past Friday. We celebrated by grubbing some guillemot burrows, measuring chicks, and banding them if they were old enough. Talk about some crazy festivities. As far as the other alcids go, we have some exciting news. After patiently waiting for them to grow, we finally were able to band our first puffin chicks. It is nice to see them get some big-boy feathers to cover up their down and hopefully they will start to fledge before we know it. We also had our first razorbill chick hatch, which we are all ecstatic about.

Guillemot chicks moments before banding. Photo Credit: Bailey Yliniemi

Chris measuring the wing chord of a razorbill chick. Photo Credit: Bailey Yliniemi
That is all I have for now.
You stay classy mainland,
-Alex