Auklet Antics

Auklet Antics

Last But Least

When you're a Least Auklet it can be lonely at the top

Least Auklets are part of a family of oceanic birds called Alcids. These birds only come ashore during the Summer to nest in places like the Pribilof Islands of Alaska. At approximately six inches in length, the Least Auklet is the smallest of the Alcids that can be found on the Pribilofs (St Paul and St George Islands). Other Alcids that can be found on St Paul Island include the Parakeet Auklet, Crested Auklet, Thick-billed Murre, Common Murre, Tufted Puffin and Horned Puffin.

Although the majority of Alcids nest on the island's steep cliffs, the Least Auklets tend to nest in large colonies in the crevices between the rocks found at the base of the cliffs. The Least Auklets , like the other Alcids,are characterized by short tails and necks and primarily black and white plumage patterns.

Because the Least Auklets nest in colonies , it is relatively easy to observe their social interactions as they congregate among the rocks at the base of the cliffs. These interactions can be quite comical at times. This of course provides ample opportunity to indulge in the fantasy of assigning human motivations and emotions to these interactions. In the images below I've played with some captions but I'm sure there are better. If you think of any let me know.