It was a grueling day of scientific inquiry in the sunny, calm San Juans for Pat, Martin and Ed. “Pass the sunscreen please.”
"Guillemot" – Martin dropped in and banded 3 youngsters, raising our season total to 12. This is still the all-time worst year for productivity, but with luck we can surpass the meager 13 young we had in both 1996 and 2005. We managed to avoid being entertainment for two whale watching tours and the Victoria Clipper…and also managed to avoid being spotted by the parents. The three young are now known as:
1807-26984 (7A) VID (All Left) Vert 25 over Vert Z
1807-26985 (7A) Vert 05 over Vert Z
1177-41025 (7B) Vert 44 over Vert Z
The three youngsters at "Guillemot" after banding. Photo by Martin Muller.
"Carolina" – Martin went ashore and didn’t muster any defense from the two adults, who were both perched nearby. He went to the base of the cliff where we suspected they were nesting and the adults could have cared less. The male moved away once Martin got to the base of the tree he was perched in. In a strange sight, 4 Turkey Vultures circled down and perched in the same tree as the adult female, without her objecting. Conclusion – failed.
"Fox" – The one chick has now fledged, with the adult female standing guard.
"Coyote" – We found all 4 youngsters have fledged and are doing well. This is the only eyrie to have 4 young this year.
End report.
