Santa Cruz Update, July 25, 2007

[IWS Crew]

Hi Eagle Fans,

Welcome to the Wednesday Update. There is not a lot of new information to report this week. We've been trapping for several days and were unable to lure any bald eagles to the our bait. The weather has finally calmed down for the summer and we expect more use out of our boat in the months ahead. We were also thinking of storing several kayaks at the far ends of the Island where our boat can not reach. Undoubtedly, looking for bald eagles is best done from the water.

Looking at the GPS data, A-49 has been spending the majority of her time on Anacapa Island. This past weekend, however, she did make a trip to Santa Cruz Island, stopping in Chinese Harbor. We should be getting new data in the next day or so- it'll be interesting to see where she goes next. The eagles should soon be make the mass exodus off Anacapa, stopping briefly on Santa Cruz before heading to Santa Rosa for the Fall Hunt and Winter elephant seal season.

On Monday, I went to the nest to watch Limuw and his progress as a young bald eagle. As I arrived, the neighboring gull's constant vocalizations let me know that Limuw was close by. I found her on the West side of the canyon, on a hill overlooking the water. Moments later, he flew up the ridge and out of sight, provoked by a pair of agitated gulls. I decided to hike up the ridge to see Limuw's new perch. As I reached the top, the gull's crescendoing vocalizations indicated that Limuw was once again in flight. Sure enough, Limuw appeared right over my head, just as I was pulling out my DSLR. I was able to get some good shots as Limuw inspected this strange terrestrial creature- me. With the gulls getting even louder, I figured one of the adults was nearing. Sure enough, K-10 came flying in from the east. Limuw quickly lost interest in me and redirected his attention towards K-10 and a possible food delivery. K-10 was not to happy with me and starting circling and vocalizing. K-10 was squawking at me and A-63 was squawking at K-10, but circling right overhead- It was quite comical . After snapping a couple of pictures, I quickly hike back down the ridge. Once I was down, K-10 and A-63 flew up the canyon to the nest. I don't think K-10 brought any food. A-63 continued to vocalize even after K-10 had left.

A-63 is flying very well. He is flapping and soaring just like any other bald eagle. I'd suspect he is planning some long trips away from the nest in the next couple of days, especially because K-10 and K-26 don't seem to be returning to the nest with very much food.

Ryan, a dedicated seasonal employee for the Bald Eagle Project, has bid us farewell. He has been on the project since January and has been a great addition to the crew. He will be going to the Peace Corps next, most likely to a project in Central or South America. Ryan was a hard worker and a lot of fun to have around. Thanks Ryan.

That about does it for this week's update. Here are some pictures I snapped of Limuw and K-10. Enjoy. Until 'nest' week...
-Chris

Limuw soaring


Limuw right over my head, in black and white


K-10 returns to the area


Limuw comfortably flapping and flying


A nice shot of Limuw


Ryan doing telemetry at Chinese Harbor

[Eagle Duo]

Oh my gosh! I've got tears in my eyes! Those pictures of Limuw and K10 are beautifual and couldn't have come at a better time! And what fantastic shots they are! Thank you soooooooooo much, Chris, for following Limuw and sharing your results! Is there any way we could get ahold of larger pictures for use as wallpapers on our computers? I know I'm not gonna be alone in wanting them!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Paula eaglet momster]

Chris - Once again, a fabulous update! It really must have been funny watching A-63 and K10 circling above you like that! Thanks for the wonderful pictures of our Prince Limuw. And thank you too, Ryan. Good luck in your future endeavors!

[Cumbrian]

WoW! Chris .... great update and just beautiful photographs of our boy and Dad.

It has given me a lump in my throat to see these pictures of our once small chick ... barely able to climb out of the nest bowl .... now this beautiful eaglet in the sky soaring with his dad ....

Good Luck Ryan ... thanks for all you did with the team.

[cdn-cdn]

Wow, how wonderful to be able to see Limuw soaring right above you, Chris. Your photos are fantastic. I'm missing Limuw like crazy and it hasn't even been a full day since the cam went off. It was a real treat to be able to see your photos and read about your outing to the nest area.
Good luck to Ryan as he starts off on a new adventure. The picture of him is excellent. He should keep that for a resume folder! Thanks, Ryan, for all your hard work for the eagles.
Chris, many thanks for this update. These photos would be super, along with Kim's earlier picture, on some of the CafePress fundraising items.

[saraoh]

Let me add my praise for a job well done! It's fantastic to see our boys so up close and personal. You must have been thrilled to view them that way. Thanks so much Chris.

Bye Ryan! The Peace Corps is lucky to get you. Thanks for all you've done for the eagles.

Good luck with the trapping. Those eagles are elusive, aren't they?!

[Naturegal]

Chris - Thank you so much for your great update. The photos are amazing, truely professional. It's great to see that our boy seems so comfortable soaring around the island. Ryan - the best of luck to you in your new endeavours.

[harpo516]

Interesting that 10 still there to protect Limuw from even Chris!! LOL But what awesome photos! Good to know (because we only see the visits to the nest) that he is truly progressing and moving further and further afield! We were thrilled to see him do the nest exit and then "glide" away at the rear of the nest - it was awesome!

I can only imagine to stand on the ground and see him move thru the air..... in person!

As always awesome update and all your efforts are greatly appreciated!

(BTW: "Until 'nest' week..." Cute Chris - )

[CarolAnn]

Sometimes I think I don't post that often because I can't express things any better than my wonderful fellow eagleholics. And in reading the previous comments these are my EXACT feelings. As I look at these photos of Limuw, with tears welling and a lump in my throat, my first thoughts were of that little bitty eaglet...sooooo cute, carefully protected, peeking out from under K-26 or K-10....and now look at him - soaring like the magnificent eagle that he is, but still a youngster. (Harpo - your "now and then" postings reallllly get to me! )

Thank you so much, Chris, for this wonderful update and the photos!

And the very best to Ryan! (One of my favorite memories of Ryan is his 4/26/07 update on EagleFix - maybe he should think about being a writer )

[Ojai Hikers]

Beautiful Photos, You make me soooo happy!!!


Thank you Chris for posting your wonderful update..

Good Luck Ryan with the peace corp and maybe you'll be back again to channel islands..


Quote from Chris...Looking at the GPS data, A-49 has been spending the majority of her time on Anacapa Island. This past weekend, however, she did make a trip to Santa Cruz Island, stopping in Chinese Harbor. We should be getting new data in the next day or so- it'll be interesting to see where she goes next.

[Vynah Bird]

Just adding my ditto, ditto, ditto of gratitude for the update, the fabulous photos, and the incredible jobs you guys do for the eagles. And a fond farewell to Ryan. He's almost as cute as those eagles, especially Limuw!!

[LBtheScot]

Wonderful update and awesome pictures.

thanks to the whole team and good luck to Chris.

[Patti]

Wow! Those are GREAT photos!! Talk about being in the right place at the right time---and in full audio. It must have been fantastic. Thank you, Chris.

Best of luck to Ryan in his next venture to Central or South America.

Fantastic update and love to hear about A49. She loved the elk/deer last year, so must be looking forward to her return trip.

[luveagles]

Chris,

Thank you for the wonderful photos. They are spectacular!!!

Good luck to Ryan in his new job.

Luveagles

[Madison99]

The prictures are so incredible! Look at our boy...whee!!!

Thanks for the great update and good luck to Ryan.