Birds and Shores September 2, 2011

The Northwest Shores exhibit gives visitors an inside view of the variety of habitats inherent to the coastal areas of the Northwest. Within each of the three habitats on display, visitors learn how birds are able to use their unique features to live and thrive in their inhospitable homes. Alcids (or diving birds) are always a popular stop for Aquarium visitors. Tufted Puffins and Common Murres can be seen diving to pick potential meals from the jagged bottom of the exhibit. Above, the birds lay eggs in small caves and narrow ledges along the rocky walls above the waterline. The Shorebird display profiles birds that live their lives on or near the beaches of the Northwest and nearby, a wall-mounted monitor shows video from a videotaped hatching of a Rhinoceros Auklet. The Seattle Aquarium was the first to videotape such a birth!