BirdNote Daily Seabirds Thriving on Volcanic Slopes
Oct 19, 2025
Kasatochi Island faced a volcanic eruption in 2008 that devastated auklet colonies, burying thousands of chicks. Surprisingly, the birds rebounded quickly, nesting in unique lava chambers left by the cooled ash. However, their thriving habitat is threatened by guano accumulation, which promotes overgrowth of vegetation that can smother nests. Today, Kasatochi stands as a vital breeding ground for auklets, showcasing nature's remarkable resilience amidst volcanic challenges.
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Auklets Survive A Sudden Eruption
- In August 2008 Kasatochi Island erupted during auklet breeding season, burying tens of thousands of chicks in hot ash.
- Within a few years thousands of auklets returned and nested in sea-cooled lava chambers left by the eruption.
Volcanic Cavities Enable Dense Nesting
- Volcanic islands create complex cozy cavities that host large auklet colonies.
- These lava-formed chambers provide nesting space that few other landscapes can match.
Poop, Not Just Lava, Shapes Colony Fate
- The biggest long-term threat to auklet nests is habitat change from seabird guano, not just geology.
- Guano fertilizes vegetation that eventually chokes off access to lava nest sites, forcing colony abandonment.