The Marbled Murrelet’s sensitivity to changes in both the forest and marine environments make it an “indicator” species for the health of these ecosystems. The dramatic declines in murrelet populations indicate other species of animals and plants are also threatened and in decline.
The Black Hills Audubon Society is also interested in the Marbled Murrelet because this bird nests in our “neighborhood.”
The 1,300 BHAS members live in forested areas of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties where Murrelets nest and near Puget Sound waters where they forage. Our concern for the Marbled Murrelet reinforces our chapter’s priorities to protect marine fisheries, migratory bird flyways, and terrestrial habitat for many at-risk species.
Black Hills Audubon Society is just one of the many chapters in our state that care about the imperiled murrelet. In 2013, Washington Audubon Society’s Conservation Committees adopted a resolution in 2013 to support and advocate for science-based conservation planning, policies and strategies for the Marbled Murrelet.
Though even the best Audubon birders may never get their binoculars or spotting scope on a Murrelet in the wild, these silent and secretive birds need our attention. That attention—in the form of conservation advocacy—is critical if we hope to ensure our future includes these marvelous birds and the fragile habitats they depend on for survival.