The Cassin’s Auklet is a burrow and crevice-nesting seabird of the Pacific Coast. With a declining population and nesting range, it is a candidate for California’s Species of Special Concern list. About 80% of California’s Cassin’s Auklets breed on the Farallon Islands. Mated pairs lay only one egg per year. Point Reyes Bird Observatory (now Point Blue) has studied breeding success of these birds on the Farallon Islands since 1981, using 446 nest boxes partially buried in the island gravel. PRBO scientists have documented population fluctuations and the impact of El NiƱo events. To further this research, Board President Bob Lewis constructed 70 additional nest box kits, and with the help of other FIF board members, delivered the units to the island.
Year of grant: 2000
Amount: $350, plus labor & delivery
Grantee: Point Reyes Bird Observatory (now Point Blue)