The Marbled Murrelet: An Old-Growth Forest Obligate Sea Bird

Marbled murrelet, Robin Corcoran/USFWS, Public Domain, https://www.fws.gov/media/marbled-murrelet-2

In this episode, I share a presentation by avian ecologist Lindsay Adrean of the American Bird Conservancy from the 2025 Bird Alliance of Oregon Marbled Murrelet Survey event. Lindsay discusses the unique biology and conservation challenges of the marbled murrelet, a federally listed seabird that nests in old-growth forests along the Pacific Coast. The presentation highlights the impact of the Northwest Forest Plan on murrelet populations, ongoing threats to their habitat, and the effectiveness of survey methods. Lindsay also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement, detailing the ‘Crumb Clean’ initiative designed to mitigate predator impacts on murrelet nests.

Stay tuned for the 2026 Survey!

00:57 Presentation Overview: Marbled Murrelet

04:54 Life History and Habitat of Marbled Murrelet

14:37 Challenges and Conservation Efforts

35:06 Field Survey and Identification Tips

Prime murrelet nesting platform branch on coastal old-growth. Photo by Paul Engelmeyer.

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