Santa Cruz Update, May 29 - June 5

[IWS Crew]

Hello all,

It was another fun-filled and beautiful week on Santa Cruz Island, which we kicked off with... Boat maintenance! Once complete, we were able to focus our efforts on tracking down the latest fledglings at Carl and scratching our heads over the latest soap opera of the eagle world.

For starters, there was a juvenile waiting at Prisoners Harbor as Don dropped off the boat. GPS indicates that it was likely A-72 (Cueva 2010).



On the other side of the island at Loma Pelona East, there have been several sightings of A-48 and A-21 in the past month or so. As you may recall, A-21 is the male from the Oak Canyon nest. I found that Wednesday was no exception.

Tight as two peas in a pod.



And flying together.



Meanwhile, A-51 and A-45, the Los Pinos pair, held their ground next door at Loma Pelona West.



Based on two tours ago, things seemed quiet at the Oak Canyon nest on Anacapa Island. Did A-21 find a new sweetheart – and what of his mate? We will get back to this story later in the week.

If you read last week’s tour update, you are aware that A-77 (a confirmed male) had just fledged. So Don went out on Thursday to check on progress at Carl. A-77 seems to be taking to the wing beautifully. However Don found that A-78 (a confirmed female) had also fledged – but was nowhere to be seen. Fog rolled in putting a premature end to his search.

So… back to Carl on Friday. After hours of surveying, he found her in a tree near the bottom of the canyon. And then off to a nearby hillside she went with a rather rough landing.





Back off, you –





Still looking alert and feisty, he let her be with plans for another check in soon.



Meanwhile, I toured the West End cliffs looking for nomadic juveniles.



Continued...

[IWS Crew]

No young eagles, though I saw an adult flying by in the territory of A-49 and A-64 but s/he didn’t stick around for her paparazzi fan club to take glamour shots – or get an ID. The views are beautiful even without the majestic eagle.



I also checked the Hazards nest for activity. A-16 brought feathered prey to the nest to keep the chick looking well fed and happy. A-00 dropped in for a brief visit also. Family togetherness (chick blocked from view by two attentive parents.)



Back to the Oak Canyon mystery, we had a nice day to take the boat to Anacapa to check on the status of the nest. During our journey, we had visitors: Common dolphins! Mom and her growing youngster.



Being avid playtime opportunists, we tried to provide them with a bow wave to play in but our little zodiac just doesn’t have the mass to hold their attention for long. Such a disappointment we were.



At West Anacapa, we found two adults keeping vigil in the nest area.



Here is one of them, who we would guess is A-11 if the female is the same from last year.



This bird's mate flew in to the nest and moved as if possibly feeding.

Distant views into the dark shadows at the nest from a bobbing boat converge to keep the mystery of the nest status very much alive.



Nevertheless, it’s promising!



All looked like a happy couple, until this bird, likely A-21, (we identified him as the male of this pair earlier this season) flew west… and west further still – to Cruz?

While we bobbed in the currents, we saw this almost ghostly tall ship crossing at East Anacapa.



On the venture back, we stopped at Loma Pelona to find A-21 with his lady friend A-48.



Continued...

[IWS Crew]

We also saw a pair at Loma Pelona West, presumably the Los Pinos pair standing their territorial ground.





And A-57 was at her preferred territory east of Smugglers.







Trying out a different view.



Sunday brought another day of hillside climbs and bush beating to search for A-78’s status given her precarious position so far from the nest. A bit troubling, she was again found on the ground further still from the nest. Meanwhile, A-77 seems to be healthy and flying well.

A-78 still appears feisty and active, but she seems to be having a little trouble with this whole flight thing. She did make it into a snag where she remained as we headed off into the sunset.

At this young age they blend so nicely into their surroundings; it’s a little like those Where’s Waldo books in three dimensions.





The crew will be keeping a close eye on this one.



As we bid you farewell for this week, here are a few feathered flyers in the making.

Horned lark nest.



Continued...

[IWS Crew]

Nesting Brandt’s cormorants.



And lastly, mourning dove fledglings.



Stay tuned for next week’s update! Dr. Sharpe and climber Jim will be joining Helen and Maria to band the last three nests (Sauces, Hazards and Pelican Harbor) on Santa Cruz Island!

Have a great week!
Kim, Don, and all the rest

[Artsy Mom]

Awesome update and such gorgeous pics of A-78. she is going to be safe while she tries out that whole flying/landing thing

The views are stunning especially of the coastlines and about the dolphin encounter. All seems right in your world

"Did A-21 find a new sweetheart – and what of his mate? We will get back to this story later in the week."

We'll be right here waiting for this ongoing saga to play out

[ojailala]

A-78 needs a nanny... great pictures of her Thanks for all the details this week, all very exciting and the nests and babies were adorable as well.

[cindyzinaz]

LOVE all the amazing scenery, thanks for much for always showing us what you see. and for beautiful A-78 . Looking forward to the next chapter in the story of A-21

[Naturegal]

Wonderful update. A-78 is beautiful, she just needs a little more flying experience. Love the wildlife and scenic photos, it looks like an island paradise.
Thanks to all of you for this weeks news and for all you do.

[summer818]

Thank you, you all rock! The pictures were spectacular, and the critters were too cute. Wishing you all a spectacular week with eagle sightings. Hopefully the weather cooperates for banding PH chick this weekend. Best to all of you!

[janmoser]

[SIZE=14]
another great update steffi, thanks

[raycyn]

Great update as always:) Love the soap opera's with our eagles, who would have ever known this kind of stuff goes on w/o all you do.

I agree with whoever said A-78 needs a nanny, should we volunteer? She'll get the flying thing down soon I'm sure. Photos are great as always , love the other birds too. Thanks again so much.




Cindy in Oregon

[SoCal Lady]

FABULOUS UPDATE!!! Even though A78 did not like her photo op---glad for her beautiful photos. The Tall Ship on the High Seas...Lovely sight!!!

[Jeanette]

Wonderful photography and good update as usual Thanks so much

[Patti]

Thanks so much for another interesting Update, especially the mystery of A21 flying between Anacapa and SC.

Thanks also for being watchful of A78...with her new flight endeavors. Looking forward to next week's report. So many great photos!