Pigeon Guillemot

Pigeon Guillemot
Soberanes Point, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
August 2020
Member of the Auks, Murres, and Puffins Family
§A Bazaar of Guillemots§

{Etymology Corner} First, Guillemot is pronounced guil·le·mot, which was not at all how I thought it was pronounced. I was saying it like it was, like, a French word, but I don't speak French, so probably wrong twice. Turns out my guess is not completely baseless, because this is a word of French origin. It's a diminutive of the French name William, Guillaume. Why are these birds called 'Little Willams'? No information available. Apparently the 'pigeon' part comes because other Guillemots  were colloquially known as Greenland Doves. I guess the shape and size is sort of pigeon-like? 

~True Bird Fact~ Quite socially advanced for a little sea bird. Guillemots hunt cooperatively. You may know them from cool scenes from Planet Earth where they're coordinating with dolphins or seagulls to corral a bunch of bait-fish using bubbles trapped in their feathers. This is one example, but I know I've seen others. They also pair bond, and engage in romantic behavior with their partners, like singing together, or playfully chasing one another under water. I am sad to report that Guillemots CAN divorce.

Lots of PDA, makes you uncomfortable, but you're kind of impressed
Surprising athleticism
Always does a little bit more than necessary

PS- I got partially took these Guillemot pictures while kayaking off the coast of Monterrey, so here, as a bonus, is a cute picture of an otter. Hang in there baby!