Pigeon Guillemots , Pt. Townsend, WA.
(5/07)

Guillemots are members of the Auk family, noted for the ability to "fly" underwater at high speed and to great depths.

Auks are threatened by loss of breeding habitat, oil spills, and commercial fishing. Huge numbers drown in monofilament gill-nets each year. The nets form invisible underwater death traps for diving birds.