Journal Entry
We woke up this morning (20 July) at Chirinkotan Island (in the upper right-hand corner of the map posted earlier) and were greeted by a stunning volcanic cone projecting 724 meters out of the sea (see photo) and what seemed like uncountable numbers of birds. In the air. On shore. And sitting on the water surrounding the boat. Just thick with them. Maybe even bazillions of them. They were mostly northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis), but also quite a few slatey-backed gulls (Larus schistasagus) and crested auklets (Aethia cristatella ) whizzing around. There are also a few common murres (Uria aalge) and tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) mixed in, but not too many.