Annie Pollard, MS student

Research Interests: I am interested in a seabird called the Leach's Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). It is a nocturnal, burrow-nesting bird that breeds on coastal islands up and down the West coast. My main colony of interest is Saddle Rock, a historically large colony found just South of Brookings, Oregon. I've found that the population of storm-petrels breeding here has declined sharply in recent years. I believe this decline is primarily due to a combination of mammalian predators and introduced plant species. My data indicate that some combination of raccoons and river otters can eat as many as 50 birds in a single night. In addition, burrows located in regions dominated by the invasive iceplant have a higher rate of predation than burrows located in native vegetation.

In the upcoming breeding season I intend to piece out the individual roles otters and raccoons play in predating Leach's Storm-Petrels. In addition, I think mice actively prey on storm-petrel eggs and I plan to investigate this interaction. Ultimately, I want to determine if the mammalian predation pressure is high enough to wipe out this colony. If so, my data may help determine if a conservation effort is necessary.

Advisors: Dr. Jan Hodder and Dr. Alan Shanks

About GK-12: This program allows me to infect others with the enthusiasm I have for the marine environment. In truth, the animals we teach about are so amazing that my task is almost done for me. I act as a vector, bringing them close enough for the students to see and touch.

It’s refreshing to see the uninhibited excitement children have for science that seems to fall by the wayside as we get older. The other fellows and I have retained that youthful enthusiasm for ocean life. I hope to demonstrate that it's not something that should ever been grown out of.