Alcidae (Auks

The Marbled Murrelet is a small alcid that inhabits the coastal waters of the North Pacific, from California to Alaska and across to Japan. Listed as Endangered, the species has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss, particularly the loss of old-growth coastal forests where they nest. Unlike most auks, Marbled Murrelets breed in forested areas far from the sea, returning to open water during non-breeding seasons. These birds are highly specialized for diving and are rarely seen on land. The waters of Phillips Arm and surrounding inlets in British Columbia provide critical marine habitat where murrelets gather to feed and rest, particularly during summer months.