Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to CHIL EagleCAM. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Santa Cruz Island Update; August 25 to September 1, 2009
Topic Started: Sep 1 2009, 12:20 PM (1,405 Views)
IWS Crew
Advanced Member
Hello everyone-

This week on Santa Cruz Island, Peter joined Amanda and me one more time to attempt to catch one of the bald eagles. We were hoping to catch one of the Cueva Valdez pair or the Yellowbanks pair, since those are the most challenging territories for us to hike around. Unfortunately, both of those pairs eluded us and were nowhere to be found.

However, we were able to find one eagle that was a more than willing participant in going after our fish. A-29 was spotted west of the Cueva Valdez territory several days. Unfortunately, he was not caught due to several circumstances including weather, lots of gulls, water visibility, etc. He just ended up getting some free fish from us, despite all Peter’s hard work in trying to modify our floating fish noose technique.

A-29 seen west of Cueva Valdez
Posted Image

A-29 going after the fish
Posted Image

A-29 with fish
Posted Image

A-29
Posted Image

A-29
Posted Image

View of A-29’s possible territory west of Cueva Valdez
Posted Image

In addition to trying to catch A-29, we spent time searching for the Pelican Harbor birds and found both several days in Chinese Harbor. Neither bird appeared all that interested in our fish.

Pelican Harbor eagle
Posted Image

Part of Chinese Harbor territory of K-10 and K-26
Posted Image

We did have another curious onlooker as we were setting up the floating fish nooses.

Posted Image

In case some of you were wondering exactly what a floating fish noose trapping set-up might look like, I thought I would include what it would look like to the eagle as it was flying to check it out.

Posted Image

In other eagle news, A-64 has still been spending most of his time in the northwestern part of Santa Cruz Island, making it very hard for us to spot him from land. We've been searching for him when we're out on the boat, but he blends in so well to the cliffs.

Until next week,
Stephanie


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Eagle Duo
Member Avatar
Eagleholic
Thanks for the update, Stephanie. Have been wondering how the trapping was going. Sorry to hear that you've not had any luck. How long will Peter be up there for trapping?

Glad to hear our 'first family' are all doing so well. Pictures would be super, of course, but just knowing they're okay is great!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
sandie
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Thanks for the update. Glad to know they are aok. I was wondering about Cruz? Is she well and still sticking close to home.

Sorry the fish noose technique did not work this time. But it looks tempting to me!
Keep up the good work
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Naturegal
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Steffanie - Posted Image for this weeks update. I really believe that the eagles have figured you and Peter out. :lol: Free fish is okay, but catching us is another thing. Great photos and good to hear that A-64 is still on the island as well as K-10 and K-26.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ojailala
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Steffani, always good to see pictures of our eagles, even with 'free' fish... I loved the backdrop of the cliff with A-29 puts things into perspective....beautiful territory for them...and for the most part, safer than here on the coast...Thanks for your hard work and effort...
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
cdn-cdn
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
Thank you for the update, Stephanie. The photos were great, as was the news about K-10, K-26, and Spirit.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
beautifuleagles
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Great update and super pictures! Sorry to hear about not catching any eagles...but I think they are wise to you now and are just playing some games with you. They are pretty smart!!!! Glad you got to see one of the parents from the PH nest. And also knowing Spirit is doing well. Thank you for all you and the crew does...and Dr. Sharpe!! :><:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
summer818
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Thank you Stephanie! Great Update! Those eagles are too smart for that noose thing! Loved the little sea lion checking you guys out! Good luck rounding up those crafty eagles. So good to see K26/K10!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Cricket
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Smart Eagles. The work must be very frustrating at times, but we appreciate any effort on your part. Keep up the good work.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
harpo516
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
glad to see that you had visuals on lots of eagles (and readings) sorry to hear they weren't overly cooperative in the trapping process - so how do you think they know what you are up to - I mean free >>: after all! You'd think that would do the trick!

will you be trying again anytime soon? if so :X: :X: :X: :X:

thanks for all the info and certainly all the photos! have a good one
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
lovethebabies
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Thanks Stephanie for the update. It was wonderful to hear that you've seen K10 and K26 (my favorite pair) and Spirit! :><:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Lauri
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Dear Stephanie,

Well, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, try and try again!

I think those eagles have figured out the noose trick and sit around at night, snickering that they didn't get caught.

But A-29 is paying attention so maybe....

Great photos. Why would ANY of these birds want to leave the islands?

/auri
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Patti
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Thanks, Stephanie! Sorry you didn't have great luck, but on the other hand, the eagles must be eating well. I heard on NPR (radio) that the expected El Nino is supposed to negatively impact the fish supply off our coast here. It was only an interview and who knows what to believe. Just hoping the eagles get their fair share of fish to keep them healthy & fit.

Thanks for the wonderful photos. Always look forward to these Updates. Have a good holiday weekend.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Holly
Member Avatar
Advanced Member
Thank you for the wonderful update Stephanie! Great pictures. Thrilled to know that Spirit is OK, just seem to worry about that boy!! Sorry your eagle catching wasn't more productive, but at least A-29 was able to reap some benefits! ><'> Enjoy the long weekend ahead.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
davetheagle
Advanced Member
i always get a rise when i hear a 64 is out and about and still alive and doing well. i hope you guys are able to get some photos of him soon.

k 10 and 26 ............love you.....all the best for next spring.

keep the great reports and photos coming

:bday:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
« Previous Topic · IWS Updates · Next Topic »
Add Reply