Santa Cruz Update, May 16th, 2007

Hey All,

I know it's been 2 weeks since the last Santa Cruz update, but I hope I can make this one worth the wait. The birds have been moving around the islands a lot lately, in their tireless search for food and adventure. At least that's what I like to think they're searching for.

We are currently tracking 11 GPS transmitterered birds here on Santa Cruz, along with several others that do not have working telemetry (including K-10 and K-26). All together, the number of eagles on Santa Cruz right now is probably somewhere between 14 and 20 individuals. We also have between 2 and 5 birds on Santa Rosa (including A-49), at least 7 on Anacapa, and 2 on the mainland (A-39 and A-46 a.k.a. Stephen Jr.). At a minimum, I would estimate there are 30 Bald Eagles that now call the Northern Channel Islands home. That's quite a jump from zero, only 5 years ago, when Dave, Peter, Jessica and I started building the first hack-tower on the north side of Santa Cruz, waaay back in May of 2002. Today, watching K-10 and K-26 feeding the chick, I remember how Jess and I spent countless hours that first spring trying to catch enough fish to keep up with the appetites of 12 young eagles. It seemed that no matter how many fish we caught in a day, it was never more that a couple feedings worth. Before I started this job, I never imagined that one day I would wake up in the morning and actually NOT want to go fishing. These days, when we do get time to fish, I'll usually volunteer to drive the boat and let someone else do the fishing. I think it'll be a few more years before I fully consider fishing a recreational activity again.

Anyhow, our nest searching effort is starting to wrap up for the season. Although we didn't find any new nest this year, we did find several potential breeding pairs for next spring. With the number of adult birds we currently have on the northern islands, there could be as many as 5 new nests next season. Wouldn't that be cool!

Dave


The 'Office'


One of the Catalina birds with a fish.


A-29. Blending in, except for the wing tags.


Painted Cave from about halfway in.

Thanks for the update. That is very exciting about how many eagles you are tracking, and the potential for next years breeding season. Woo Hoo!
The pictures are fanastic, and I must say, I love the office.
I'd be happy to come fishing with you all any time.

Thanks for the update and photos Dave. With the possibility of 5 new nests, will you every be busy next breeding season.

Thank you Dave thank you - it must be a rewarding feeling to know that all your hard work and effort is slowly but surely bearing fruit! Eagles!! How wonderful to see what may be the newest pairs of breeding eagles for the area (talons crossed)

Wonderful info and photos! Always enjoy..... Thanks

Thank you, Dave, for the update and photos. Your comments about five years ago brought everything into perspective. Well done to the team! Good news about the potential for even more nests next year. That's a great-looking office, too!

Dave - beautiful photos and a wonderful update. Thanks for the painted cave picture. The Island Packers boat was too big to go in! Thank you also for your continued work on the SC camera - we sincerely appreciate everything you guys and gals do for us!!

2002 seems like soooo long ago! I appreciate the perspective Dave. I can just see you guys (and Jess) building hacking towers and then fishing for countless hours each day. Well your efforts are paying off! Can't wait till next breeding season, although I'm really enjoying this one now! Have a good week!

Whoa! Possibly 30 eagles--that says it all! Thank you, Dave.

Thank you, Dave!

Great update DAVE, as always, I so enjoy your reports about what goes on out there. Little do you know that some of us actually picture ourselves out there with you when you write these updates. (at least I don't think I am the only one) So I really look forward to them. Excellent news about the nesting pairs out there reading for next nest season. You must be very proud of your work out there. I know I am and in only five years. See what man can accomplish when he puts his mind to it. We need more men/women like yourselves in this world. Thanks again!

Dave, this update with all the great news was certainly worth the wait!!
Thank you and the whole Crew for all your hard work and for keeping us updated and for letting us be part of this whole great experience!!! THANK YOU!!

Thank you, Dave! Only five years? And you've accomplished so much in those 5 years. And next year promises to be even more productive! Congratulations!

Troth, I live vicariously through these updates as well. I would LOVE to be a tag-a-long with the IWS crew.

Great pictures, Dave. Thank you!!!

Paula, I don't really know where I should ask this.......and I don't want to be an alarmist, but.....is little Shazzam on Santa Cruz being fed suffuciently?! I watched for about an hour with dad just sitting there not letting the little one get even close to him...as hard as he tried! The baby's crow was as flat as it could be!!!!! Is there a lack of food this year?! Barbara

Paula, I don't really know where I should ask this.......and I don't want to be an alarmist, but.....is little Shazzam on Santa Cruz being fed suffuciently?! I watched for about an hour with dad just sitting there not letting the little one get even close to him...as hard as he tried! The baby's crow was as flat as it could be!!!!! Is there a lack of food this year?! Barbara

Barbara .... I am not Paula but I have sent you an e-mail which I hope will alleviate your fears. The chick is well fed ....

DAVE - Thanks for taking the time to give us an update on the activities of and the location of the eagles - beautiful pics too - appreciate all your hard work.