Santa Rosa Island Update, May 11-18, 2010

[IWS Crew]

Hi everyone,

This latest tour found me out on Santa Rosa Island while Kim covered things on Santa Cruz. So you are being treated to a “bonus” update this week. I think you should all enjoy it.

This is going to be a long one so grab a snack and/or a beverage, sit back, and get comfortable. Shall we get started now? Good, let's go!

First, let me introduce you to a little bit of Santa Rosa Island, which, by the way, is where I spent most of my tenure when I worked with the Park's island fox project in its infancy. It is always like a visit to an old friend for me.

So obviously I have a great fondness for these guys.


Along with the foxes there are quail, introduced, if I recall correctly, but still picturesque.


Another of my favorite island inhabitants are the Spotted Towhees (used to be called “rufus sided”).


And, of course, since this is an island, we get shore birds.
Oystercatchers.


It's not all good news on Santa Rosa though. There has been a considerable increase in its popularity since I worked out there last time, particularly on the beaches.
Custer Point and Ford Point are a couple of the “hot spots”. Look at that crowding!
Cluster Point.




Ford Point.




But with views like this, who can blame them?
Looking over at Santa Cruz Island from the east end of Santa Rosa.


Besides, the roads really are paved with gold. Golden poppies that is.


cont...

[IWS Crew]

One of the great things about the kind of work we are fortunate to do is that we get to see the seasons change in every possible way. Right now it is "baby bird season" on the islands. I think this one is a meadowlark..., it could barely fly.


So what was I talking about? Oh yeah, the birds and the bees. Well, here are the bees.


Now let's get back to the birds. Shall we?

On a recent tour out to Santa Rosa, Kim was able to identify a likely “new” nest location based on the behavior of A-22 and A-08, the “Trap Canyon pair”, who had nest failures the last two years. This year they had abandoned the old site, but were acting defensively in a location very close to the ocean near Verde Canyon. My first afternoon on the island I headed out to the area Kim had detailed and was rewarded with a pair of rather annoyed adult eagles.




Hmm..., so obviously they are upset about something. If you haven't guessed it, or saw Dr. Sharpe's update in one of the other threads around here...


Yep, we have another youngster on Santa Rosa. And this one is BIG! I was a bit startled at the advanced age of this “chick”, it was (is) older than the Pelican Harbor chicks. Unfortunately I couldn't get a view of the chick's tail to send to Dr. Sharpe for a better age determination so I went back again two days later.
More agitated parents.


And not really any better a pose.




But from what we could see, and because of some favorable logistics, we decided that this would be the first banding of the year. Dr. Sharpe flew in a few days later and, with the help of NPS fox crew member Angela (Thanks Angela!!!), we set off to “pester” some eagles.

Only one parent (A-08) was present during the operation, but it does keep you on your toes to have a bird of that size flying over your head and obviously upset.




cont...

[IWS Crew]

But they certainly are impressive.


So you might ask, “if the parents are so upset, how does the chick react”?
Does this answer your question?


“What do you want, man?”


“Please, just take the fish and go..., please!”


You might also be curious about how we get the youngster out of the nest. This is actually putting our little friend back, but just picture it in reverse.
Dr. Sharpe on a rope and a bird in a bag.


And to give you some idea of what happens to our young friend.
First a little personal information is collected.




Then a new bracelet.


Of course a little blood is drawn, from the wing in this case, but no pictures of that, just the feathers that will carry our young friend aloft.


Let's not forget the ever popular “wing-bling” for easy indentification and a Lo-jack (registered trademark) system so we can track our friend in case s/he gets eagle-jacked.


cont...

[IWS Crew]

It's enough to wear a young eagle out.


But soon enough our newly designated “A-67” returns to that cliff dwelling with the ocean view, with the aid of Dr. Sharpe.






And apparently not all that thrilled about the whole process and the new accessories.


I went back to check on A-67 the next morning and s/he appeared well and both parents were present. Final gender determination is upcoming from the blood work, but Dr. Sharpe suspects a female at this point.
The next day.


Well, I think that's about it for now. I head back to Santa Cruz Island next tour, with a brief trip to Catalina before that to help with some more banding. It's a busy month, but busy in a good way. Lots of youngsters to band. Let's hope they all do well and learn to soar like A-67's parents.


Be well all,

Don, and the rest of the IWS crew

[Cumbrian]

Don .... you always entertain us with your Updates ... and this one is ... TERRIFIC!

It reads like a Travelogue ... and your sense of humour had me in stitches .. especially your captions.

I particularly liked this one ... “Please, just take the fish and go..., please!”

Thank you .. and all the IWS Crew .. for the super information about the new chick and 'her' parents and their new nest.

Your photographs are wonderful ... and we too hope that A-67 .. and all the youngsters of the Class of 2010 ... will soar and have interesting travels.

Enjoy your next tour ... and all the bandings.

[catM]

Absolutely wonderful update, Don. Thanks to you and all the IWS crew for all you do.

A-67 is so beautiful. I wish her/him well on her/his journeys in life.

[fancycatnip]

My, that was one big surprise ! lol how wonderful that you were able to go along and take such great pics.................and kudos for sharing them along with your captions......made getting up early this am well worth while!.

[beautifuleagles]

Oh my gosh....so breathe taking and believe me what gorgeous pictures!!! What a great spot for a nest too!!! Glad you all were safe and all went well.

Thank you for all you do and Dr. Sharpe!!! You all must be so happy about all the eagle nests with chicks on them!!! Salute!!!!

[amethyst]

What more can I add than... "Wow!" "Fantastic!" and Thank you!

[Artsy Mom]

That was a super duper update Don love, love, love all the especially the closeup of the and its ginormous pristine clean talons That nest is in a gorgeous location...do you ever get tired of clamboring around on those Islands?

Beautiful for us to see all your pics and explanations too. We feel like we have been there with all of you, so many thanks for this really wonderful update....onward and upward to the rest of the nests.

We'll be anxiously awaiting your next adventure update

[harpo516]

Don outstanding - your commentary and information is great - helps give us a full picture of the islands and the setting of the eagles' territory...... especially for those of us who do not live in CA

Outstanding description of the banding - beautiful chick - looking forward to see it we have a male/female! Dr. Sharpe's % is really great - can he continue?

Again thank you for taking us along and sharing your experiences.

GO IWS GO

GO EAGLES GO

[SheilaSB]

Don what an amazing post - love your pics of the population increase invading the beaches - Wonderful photos of A67 - we got a glimpse from Dr. Sharpe, but now you have given us "the rest of the story". Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking us along - love, love, love your captions - thank you and the IWS crew for all your hard work - this is going to be an even busier year of banding with all the new eaglets - the very thing you have all been working toward for so long - the restoration and repopulation of the bald eagles on the Channel Islands - it can only get better and better.

[ojailala]

Don, enjoyed watching the first of many bandings to come... you do have a way of turning the post into a little mini-series... we just love it... your photography is wonderful and I appreciate that especially... just a great job!!!

[EagleNut]

Don - loved the update with all the bird ID and beautifil photos. And the banding was terrific. It almost felt like I was there. Your posts are very much appreciated. Keep them coming!!!!! Thank you so much for your work.

[margiew]

Don, your posts continue to enthrall us with your wonderful commentary and pictures! Santa Rosa looks like a little Heaven on earth in that shot looking toward Santa Cruz. This chick A67, reminds me so much of our beloved A49. You truly captured the spirit of A67 in these photos. Love the "Take the fish" pose LOL Thank you, thank you, thank you!!