WOMEN IN SEABIRD SCIENCE
Sarah Gutowsky
she/her
Quantitative Seabird Biologist
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Discipline
Behaviour, Conservation, Population Dynamics, Reproductive Biology & Life History, Migration & Movement Ecology
Regional Focus
Canada
Years Active
16-20 years
Species Focus
Auks (Alcidae), Sea ducks and allies (Anatidae), Albatrosses (Diomedeidae), Gulls and Terns (Laridae), Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), Petrels and Shearwaters (Procellariidae), Storm-Petrels (Hydrobatidae & Oceanitidae)
Tell us about your work with seabirds.
Sarah is the national coordinator of seabird monitoring and assessment in Canada. Her role is to assist in developing consistent and efficient monitoring strategies for Canada's seabirds that allow for effective assessments of population size and trends.
What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?
If you are interested in a career as a seabird scientist, we welcome you with open arms! Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds on the planet, and there has never been a more important time for dedicated and passionate individuals to channel their energy and skills toward seabird conservation. I want to be transparent in that this career path is rarely direct or simple, and can be fraught with challenges and ecogrief. But it is also immensely rewarding, and you will be joining a community of incredible people who share your love of the ocean and the birds who call it home.
Sarah sitting on a sandy beach beside a Laysan Albatross on its nest. The albatross reaches its neck toward Sarah in curiousity, and Sarah adoringly looks into the eyes of the bird. There is vegetation in the background (naupaka).
Email:
Website:
Twitter:
@halibirdnerd
Instagram:
@birdnerdroundtheworld