Seabird

Pigeon guillemot

Cepphus columba

A black seabird with white wing patches and bright red feet that nests in crevices along the Salish Sea shoreline, including around piers and harbors.

Seasonality

Peaks across 4 months. Present all year; most visible near nest sites from April to August.

Behavior

Dives near shore for small fish, often surfacing with prey in its bill.
Breeding pairs whistle and display on pilings, rocks and the water in spring.
In winter it turns mostly white and gray and spreads out over open water.

Photography tips

Breeding plumage and red feet look best from April to August; a low angle from a pier is ideal.
Birds often stand on pilings near their nests; wait for one to call and show its red mouth lining.

Field ethics

Keep back from nest crevices in seawalls and pier structures, and don't block birds' access to them.

Where to look

Semiahmoo SpitWhatcom County · Peaks across 4 months
Point Whitehorn Marine ReserveWhatcom County · Peaks across 4 months
Boulevard ParkWhatcom County · Peaks across 4 months