Catalina update, June 6, 2007

Hello everyone…
It’s Wednesday again. It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready to band another nest. I guess we are but not in Catalina anymore.
We had a wonderful time banding Seal Rocks. I have never been to the actual nest before or even gotten close and, in my opinion, this was the prettiest site ever. Their nest is so beautifully sheltered and with a million dollar view.

Here’s a picture of one of the babies before banding and one of the parents getting surprisingly close (and Pete’s head of course)

On this picture you guys can see the size of the nest and where the camera is located.

This eaglet was the first one to catch ‘cause she was right on the edge, the other one was laying by the tree hidden among the sticks (you could probably see some of its feather on the previous picture).

This is me, happily holding K-77. You might have noticed that sometimes we don’t use the hoods. It’s because it depends on the bird, if they’re restless we put them on, if it seems to stress them out more we take them off. The SR babies were pretty calm.

Here's a video of the banding at SR

I also didn’t get a chance to post any pictures after PR banding so here they are:
Here’s Jessica getting ready to put the wingblings on K-72, held by Kim.

The WE nest is on the third pinnacle from the right. You can actually see the little black dots at the top of the white pinnacle (the eaglets).

And here’s a broader view of the location of the WE nest, which is on the third pinnacle from the left. This was taken probably about 2/3 into the trail we take to get to the nest. We don’t actually walk on that ridge until near the end (thank goodness), we sort of hike along the other side which is steep but not as much.


cont…

I can only post so many pictures per message so here’s the rest of the update.
The banded chicks at Twin Rocks.

Quickly leaving TR nest.

Pete moving gently around the TH nest to catch the babies. It is pretty steep and scary up there.
Getting some good video and pictures for you guys.

This is PR on Monday.


And this is Twin rocks on Monday.

I hope you guys enjoy watching these pictures as much as I enyojed taking them. It was a great banding season for Catalina. Next...Santa Cruz!
"til next week.
Steff

Great update Steffani

Thanks!

Wow, that video was wonderful, I was holding my breath all during the capture of the eaglets. Thanks for the great update , your photo's are really appreciated. What a neat job you all have, that's what I'm going to be in my next life, a biologist!

Ditto! Wow-wow, Steffani. Fabulous photos and the video is fantastic. I love the Seal Rocks nest site. It is so beautiful. That's a really good photo of you holding the chick. Yep, they do seem calm to me. I love the video audio on this one. Lots of eaglet chatter.

Steffani - Great update and fabulous photos and video - thanks a million.

STEFFANI - Great update! Appreciate the videos and pics - gives us a good perspective of what it takes to get to the nests and the banding procedure - I'm sure this is an experience you won't ever forget. Glad other IWS team members get to participate - all of your resumes will look great from this experience with the eagles and pics to prove it. Hope you get to stay with IWS for a long time - don't know how the budget works to determine how long someone gets to stay - hope yours is as long as you want it to be.
Hope the live cam is cooperating when IWS goes to SC - the nest where it all started with A49/Cruz.

I still envy your jobs!!! Thanks for some really fantastic pictures.

thank you steffani for a super update and fantastic photos! if you don't know by now - we all truly enjoy being allowed to "virtually" join you guys on your outings to the nests! congrats on a successful banding season at Catalina! great job peter, steffani and IWS crew!

Thanks Eaglegal Steff, great job you have, and great job you do..I want to be like you when I grow up..

Thanks for the update. Wow, when trying to catch that first chick at SR that adult swooped in awfully close there, whew! Excellent video. Lucky your didn't lose your hat Dr S. That cam was sure well worth it.
So, one more nest to climb and you can all rest your aches from all that hard work.
Great job IWS crew! And our Catalina chicks too, and may they thrive!
Next visit, I wanna go fishing with you Steffani!

Trish

Steff, Sheila stole the words right out of my mouth!! (not an easy job, as fast as these jaws can go!)
I hope you can stay forever (and love every minute of it).

Great update. Thanks Steffani

Wonderful update Steffani! What a great season it has been for Catalina. All of the eaglets look so healthy and well taken care of. Those Seal Rock eaglets did seem to be the calmer of the eaglets so far. Very interesting...Thanks to everyone for all of their dedication and hard work to reintroduce these magnificent birds.

Thanks Steffani for the great update and I bet we loved watching the pics and video "more" than you did taking them I appreciate you and Dr. Peter so very much for letting us take this adventure. Thanks double time
Frances