As some of you know, Charlie takes a break from COASSTing each summer to do a little field work. This August, Charlie returned to Middleton Island for the fall field season and we just received his hand-written letter, which reads:
Hello COASSTers,
Here is a photo update. The weather has been unusually calm (and still) and there are signs of it being a warm water year. Beach finds include our first Velella velella and Cassin’s Auklet on the Island.
Velella velella jellies have been turned up at Middleton Island this summer, too.Cassin’s Auklet’s Auklet (COASST guide AL8-AL9 or AK: AL21-AL22) found on Middleton Island by Charlie. Note the short, stout bill with pale spot at base, and in fresh birds, blue-toned feet.
Also see the VERY COOL“armored” tarsus, toes and webbing of a Parasitic Jaeger.
Parasitic Jaeger foot showing very rough (almost sharp) scales.Parasitic Jaeger (complete with COASST ruler!)
Work days have been long and productive, and “days off” are spent doing much of the same thing.
Charlie’s team, conducting shore-based surveys of pelagic birds. What are they seeing through those scopes? Look below!Buller’s Shearwater.Sooty Shearwater.Red-necked Phalarope.“The catch,” of Middleton Island’s fall banding station (one bird per bag).
Happy COASSTing!
Charlie
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