Unravelling the Mysteries of the Marbled Murrelet / Martin Raphael, PhD

Come join us for an evening of enjoyment with Marty Raphael, an ornithologist and forest ecologist, recently retired (but still active) at the Pacific Northwest Research Station (U.S. Forest Service) in Tumwater. During his distinguished scientific career, he has conducted extensive research on the terrestrial and marine life history of marbled murrelets, which were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992.

Murrelet populations have declined, primarily due to loss of nesting habitat. At-sea surveys conducted for 20 years in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound indicate the population has declined 3.9% per year. Reproductive rates are very low – about 6 young have been produced for every 100 adults. Chick survival is reduced by predation and shortage of food. Over 150 birds have been tracked by radio telemetry, showing daily movements over 100 miles between nesting sites and feeding areas in nearshore marine waters. Extensive surveys have documented the extent of suitable nesting habitat throughout the bird’s range in Calfornia, Oregon, and Washington. Conservation and restoration of nesting habitat remain the primary means of recovering this fascinating species. (Photo courtesy: Kim Nelson)

Arrive at 7 p.m. to socialize; programs begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.