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Northern Channel Islands Update; May 27-June 3
Topic Started: Jun 4 2009, 06:55 PM (1,183 Views)
IWS Crew
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Northern Channel Islands Update May 27 – June 2 2009

Hi everyone,

This week on the Northern Channel Islands I was on my own for the first half of the tour and then Amanda joined me a few days before I left. Suzanne is at Catalina Island helping Pete and Stephani.
Thick fog seemed to be the weather we had every morning with some afternoons opening up for some short bursts of strong sun warmth. Vehicle maintenance kept me close to housing but I was able to go out on the Zodiac with Amanda and we saw some eagles along the north shore and at China Harbor Santa Cruz Island.
This is a photo of Chinese Harbor from the Navy Rd. which shows the dense moisture.

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Just as we approached Dardanelles, east of Fry’s Harbor on the north shore of SCI, Amanda spotted this sub-adult flying east along the shoreline. An unexpected landing on a short young pine tree gave us the chance to watch the BAEA perched long enough for us to confirm it was A-46.

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Once we had observed him for a while we decided to motor on and continue our survey along the shore. We suddenly out of our surprise and by accident saw another BAEA perched on the next ridge to the west.

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The BAEA was perched on bedrock just above the water. The mottled plumage camouflages extremely well against the textures and colors of the coastline. Some of the photos that I examined seemed to look like the tags read A-52.

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Later that afternoon we found the Cueva Valdez pair perched on the ridge that forms the eastern half of Hazards Anchorage. This is one of the pairs favorite places to perch. With some luck we can motor close to them and watch them from a very close distance.
The Eagles ability to tolerate us from such a close distance amazes me.

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I will get to join Peter, Stephani, Suzanne and a film crew tomorrow and help them in the banding. I will let you all know how it goes. Happy eagling.


IWS Crew
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peppermint
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Wonderful!!! So glad to see Stephen, Jr. staying out on the islands...I still think he'd make a handsome beau for A-49....they are both stars!
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EagleNut
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Wow! Nice report and great pictures. Thank you.
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summer818
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Thank you so much for such a great report. They probably let you get close knowing, you can't get them. Little stinkers. Thanks again for all the work you do. I hope or Northern Islands have lots of chicks in 2010!
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jeannec
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Great pictures!! And great eagle sightings!!! I had to go look up A-52 and I see she was another San Francisco zoo release in 2006 just like Stephen Jr. A-46!! Hmmm..... Oh well, I guess still too young yet!
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bette
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peppermint,Jun 4 2009
07:59 PM
Wonderful!!! So glad to see Stephen, Jr. staying out on the islands...I still think he'd make a handsome beau for A-49....they are both stars!

PATTI - That is my fondest wish also. I've been channeling that thought for some time now, ever since A-46 returned to Santa Cruz. :X:
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SoCal Lady
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Thank you so much for all the beautiful eagle pictures and their surroundings are so pretty.

The Valdez pair are quite handsome---but then, all eagles are truly handsome and regal aren't they. <3

Good luck tomorrow with the WE twins--that nest is always an adventure for banding--lots of close swoops by Wray and K01 coming your way.
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teacherlady
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Your photos are amazing. They take me there with you on the island. Thanks so much!
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vickih
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Wonderful update IWS crew. Patti, I was kind of thinking the same thing about A46 and A49!! A46 seems to be staying around longer this time. Maybe he'll stay around to pair up this year or next. Both he and Cruz are working on their 4th year. Who knows -- probably wishing thinking.

Vickih
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Holly
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Great pictures, wonderful report! Good luck tomorrow at WE! They are reporting rain, thunder and lightning as a big possibility tomorrow! Hope it won't interfere if those weathermen are on target. Take care out there and THANKS!
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iggle
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Great update - thanks! Hope the weather doesn't cause you too many problems, but we sure need the rain!

Glad to hear A-46 is still hanging out. Now where is A-49? That would be a perfect pairing!

If that was A-52 you spotted, is this the first sighting of her since she was hacked? I don't see anything listed under her name....

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Naturegal
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Thank you IWS Crew for your update and photos of all your eagle sightings. Has anyone ever notified Steve Colbert about A-46, just curious? Good luck with the WE banding today.
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Lauri
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Dear IWS Crew,

Wow, some really dramatic photos this week! The one of the fog is just amazing.

As far as the eagles tolerating your fairly close presence, well, I'm just glad they do! We get to see some great photos then.

Thanks so much for the great update. Still hoping for a sighting of Skye one of these days! Hope Cruz is also sticking close to the island, too. It's a much better spot for them than the nasty old mainland where there are cars and too much busy-ness!

Lauri
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iggle
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Lauri,Jun 5 2009
12:24 PM
Still hoping for a sighting of Skye one of these days!
Lauri

Lauri - Skye went over the :^^^: last August... :'(
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lovethebabies
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Been so busy I just got to check your report for the week. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. Glad to see Stephen Jr is staying close to home. Have a great week!
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