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Wednesday September 6th Update
Topic Started: Sep 6 2006, 09:47 PM (1,173 Views)
IWS Crew
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Hello Everyone,

Another week on Santa Cruz and the two island-born eagle chicks are doing well. A-49 has been moving around the island daily to new unexplored locations. A-60, the south side chick, has made its first flight away from the nesting area. On Friday, September 1st, A-60 flew to the west end of Santa Cruz Island, stopping at several points along the way. After several hours of exploring the west end, A-60 flew right back home to the comfort of the nest area and his family. We expect A-60 to embark on similar trips in the next couple of days.

On Thursday of last week, I went to a small cove on the north side of the island to observe several released eagles and A-49. I found 4 eagles all perched by the beach: A-40, A-49, A-55, A-57. I was sure the eagles came to the cove to feed on a food item that washed up on the beach. However, upon arrival I found no such food item, but instead a small spring creek that delivered fresh water to the cove. The eagles must gather in the cove to drink fresh water and cool their feet off when the weather is hot. As I was coming out of the creek canyon into the cove, I flushed both A-49 and A-57. Both eagles were perched next to the creek and then flew east to a rocky bluff. Shortly after I startled A-40 and A-57, and they both flew west.

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After I flushed A-49 and A-57 from the spring, they flew a short distance away where I took this picture. Once again, A-49 is making friends and learning to survive using the diverse island resources.

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Shortly after I saw A-49 and A-57, I spotted A-55 perch on a branch high up on the cliff. Right as A-55 was taking off, I snapped this picture.

Yesterday morning, after check our GIS eagle data, our crew noticed a transmitter on A-45 had not moved for several days on Santa Rosa Island. We needed to investigate immediately. I got on plane and was on Santa Rosa Island by noon. By 2:00 pm, I had found the GPS location, but fortunately, I found no transmitter nor eagle. I did see a near-adult bald eagle feeding on an elk carcass not far from were I was. This morning, I went out to the same area on Santa Rosa Island and was able to get a visual on A-45. He is flying well and looks healthy. A-45 probably spent several days perched near the carcass, reflecting GIS data of a stationary transmitter. We often think the worst when transmitters don’t move after several days, but in this case, A-45 was just fattening up on elk meat. While on Rosa, I saw a handful of bald eagles ranging from juveniles to near-adults, all with blue tags. Without a doubt, I think Santa Rosa Island will produce a nesting pair of bald eagles in the spring of 2007. Keep your fingers crossed.

Thanks,
Chris
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peppermint
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Wonderful report, Chris! I love the mental image of Cruz cooling her talons in the cool fresh water on a hot day....ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
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Bea
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Thank you so much Chris, for the wonderful update and pictures. It is so nice to know that A49 has made so many friends. Wonderful also to know that all eagles seem to be doing so well, and heartwarming to know that you all are taking such good care of them. Thank you!!!
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Troth
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Thank you, thank you, Chris. I am so glad that A49 Cruz is making friends and doing so well, I knew she would do OK just by the way she was as a youngster. Bold, brave and determined, what a girl. I hope she is forming friendships that will last and she has some potential mates she is hanging around with. We want little princes and princesses once she becomes Queen of the Island. Thank you again to you and all the crew that are out there caring for these birds.
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Bird
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Thanks, Chris, for the great update! Like everyone else, I am glad that A-49 and the other eagles are doing so well.

And, I take comfort in knowing that you headed out immediately to check on A-45. It makes me think that if there was real concern for A-61's welfare, you would check on him immediately, too. However, Dr. Sharpe did say you couldn't get to Anacapa right now because of the frisky brown pelicans. . . . :)

But I will rest a little easier and hold onto the belief that A-61 is just fine.

I LOVE the pictures! Thanks, Chris!

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ojailala
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Even more late with my thank you.. Chris, your picture of A-55 taking off from the branch was a great shot.. You are a great photographer and would love to know more about your camera, lens, etc..I love photography but am not set up for your type of pictures.. Keep up the great work, we love it.
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