Ikik

Ikik is a Humboldt Bay Osprey named by the Port of Port Angeles. The name, chosen in a 2018 naming contest, refers to the West Coast's knobweed plant. Ikik lives at the Port Angeles Marina in Washington State and brings significant tourism revenue to the area.

Ikik is a year-round resident at the marina, attracting visitors not only for bird watching but also for educational and research purposes. Studies on ikik have contributed to marine bird conservation, particularly concerning osprey behavior, ecology, and habitations. Observations of Ikik's nesting and feeding behaviors, mating season, and cohabitation with other birds have informed research initiatives.

Locals and tourists can observe Ikik through embedded webcams and guides from the Port of Port Angeles, which offer information about the osprey's daily habits and breeding patterns. Education programs, workshops, and events for both children and adults focus on osprey biology, conservation, and importance of coastal ecosystems.

Some notable specific observations made from Ikik's webcams include interactions with other waterfront birds, such as seagulls and herons. Studies of Ikik's dive patterns and catching behavior have shed light on the rehabilitation and recovery potential of injured ospreys, adding essential insights into rehabilitation protocols on the West Coast.

Researchers and tourism efforts surrounding Ikik's observation provide context for the organization's educational mission and its purpose towards utilizing residents as public ambassadors.