ARCHIVES FROM 2004 FOLLOW (in reverse chronological order)
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
Weeks 9 & 10 of 10 – 18 thru 29 May 2004
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
The Gray Whale cow/calf migration passing Point Piedras Blancas is a done
deal for 2004. Numbers dropped precipitously as expected and as they should
by the end of May. Only 6 pair were seen during these past two weeks with the
very last pair passing on Tuesday (5/25) bearing the honorable ‘checker flag’
... the end! This last pair was also in a hurry, 11 minutes from the pair of
Piedras Blancas Rocks, 0.9mi SE of ‘Point’ to passing ‘abeam’ of our study site
when the typical average is about 20 minutes. Mom’s hungry, no more time to
piddle around in the kelp, and the Chukchi Sea summer feeding grounds off
Alaska’s far north coast and Point Barrow is still far far away. It was all the
little calf could do just to keep up.
The 2004 season ends with our highest counts ever since we commenced these
studies in 1994 which translates into a Gray Whale population in excellent
health. There were 452 cow/calf pair counted during these past ten weeks
which if we extrapolate for the budget cut Saturdays we didn’t work, the total
should be around 550, 50 more than our previous record 1997 season.
Gray Whale sightings (week 9: 24-28 May 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 5
adult/juveniles---- 3
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Risso’s Dolphin,
Gray Whale sightings (week 10: 24-28 May 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 1
adult/juveniles---- 0
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Pacific White-sided
Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin
Gray Whale sightings (2004 season summary to date) **FINAL**
cow/calf pairs----- 452
adult/juveniles---- 617
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Killer Whale,
Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin (sp?), Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s
Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin
Coastal Sea and water birds –
As May draws to a close, so does the northbound coastal seabird migration.
Pacific Loons were down to a trickle at less than 200 per day this last week. In
addition to a few straggling Surf Scoters, only one straggler Brant Goose was
seen plus a couple more up on the beach at Arroyo de la Cruz. Tube-nosed
seabirds like Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters continued in low numbers and
usually far offshore. There were two Black-footed Albatross sightings, single
dark-rumped immature birds on Monday (5/17) and Wednesday (5/19). All of the
usual suspect alcid species (Common Murre, Rhinoceros Auklet, Cassin’s Auklet,
Xantus’s Murrelet) apart from our resident Pigeon Guillemots continued scarce as
they have throughout the season. They are probably out there somewhere, just not
near enough to shore to detect.
The one species which really did kick into gear this past week were Brown
Pelicans. For lack of anything else to count and since they are, shall we say,
“easy,” we counted all of those long languid northbound formations of Brown
Pelicans which amounted to a day high of 605 between 0700 and 1900hrs on
Thursday (5/27). Heermann’s Gulls which normally disperse northward in concert
with the pelicans continue to be strangely absent. Not a single Heermann’s Gull
was seen all week and scarcely at all this entire season when in all previous
seasons since 1994, they have always been just as predictable, obvious, and in
significant numbers as the pelicans. Hmm, most curious.
There were 7 Franklin’s Gulls seen during this reporting period including 5
first summer individuals on Wednesday (5/19) and pair of full breeding plumaged
adults on Monday (5/24) which brings the total seen here for the season to 11,
plus maybe add one more first summer individual found as the remains on the
fledgling Peregrine Falcon’s dining room table out on the marine terrace on the
west point opposite the Outer Islet. Six of the seven Franklin’s Gulls seen this
period were pairs embedded in the regular little swarming flocks of mostly
immature California Gulls which continue dispersing northward.
Peregrine Falcon –
Our resident breeding Peregrines were the highlight and most watched spectacle
these past two weeks. The first two chicks fledged and departed the cave/eyrie
on the Outer Islet bright and early, Monday (5/17). Their enthusiasm in warming
up and testing their wings prior to launch ended up knocking both off the ledge,
and it was do or die. Both made it to the mainland albeit a little on the
awkward side as one landed atop the fog signal building while the other
gracefully crash landed in the iceplant at the base of the lighthouse. Two days
later (Wednesday 5/19) and right on schedule, chick #3 fledged at precisely
0707hrs. It simply just walked up to the edge of the eyrie and took off arcing
around to the south side of the Outer Islet where it promptly landed quite
gracefully on the shelf above the cormorants and sea lions where it remained for
a couple hours before it too departed for the mainland.
Next was chick #4. This sibling hatched about 7 days after the first two and
given this unusual disparity in hatching dates, especially as extreme as 7 days,
I had some reservations that it would survive at all. However, the adults
(female especially) were quick to care for this one special during feeding,
isolating it away from the others so that it wouldn’t get short changed by the
more aggressive and ravenous older chicks. This is quite interesting and says a
lot for this pair of Peregrines as devoted parents as some bird species simply
abandon the weaker and late hatchlings, and in some cases with Peregrines, the
stronger birds simply eat the weakest one. Obviously, this was simply not
allowed in this family. Seems like there might be a lesson here that some of us
humans might want to take to heart.
Then, precisely 7 days after chicks #1 and #2 took their maiden flights, #4 took
it’s first leap of faith from the edge of the eyrie around 0700hrs on Sunday
(5/23) to join the other three which had been spending most of their time on the
ground and rocks out on the flat marine terrace directly across the 100 meter
wide channel separating the Outer Islet and the mainland. For the better part of
this last week, all four newly fledged Peregrines have stayed and played
together out on the windward side terrace, adjacent mainland rocks, the fog
signal building, and along the north and fence line while the ever watchful
parents kept them in sight at all times. Any human around perceived as a threat
was promptly warned off by the loud cacking calls from the female, and if anyone
ventured too close, both the female and the male were on the scene in an instant
screaming and diving on the intruders. I being one, nearly got my ear ripped off
by the male that bolted off the lighthouse when my back was turned while one of
the youngsters was perched atop the fog signal building.
The marine terrace on the west point served as quite the dining room table for a
solid week. After having given them a week to mature a bit and adapt to their
new mainland surroundings, I did finally venture out on the terrace to examine
what sort of fare the fledglings were dining on much to the loud, wake the dead,
protests of the adults screaming and repeatedly dive bombing from overhead. The
sight on the terrace was pure carnage and literally carpeted with feathers
everywhere. Among the breakfast, lunch, and dinner victims were no less than 7
immature California Gulls(!), 3 Green Herons ...I haven’t even seen a Green
Heron around here this spring(!), 1 immature Bonaparte’s Gull, 1 first summer
Franklin’s Gull, 1 Willet, and some miscellaneous unidentified birdy bits and
pieces of other things including a Sora Rail I think, and no doubt many more had
already been blown away into the sea. Also, there were a bunch of cough pellets
scattered around containing undigested feather and bone fragments. I was quite
surprised by the number of California Gulls taken. That’s a pretty large bird
even for a Peregrine to knock out of sky then drag it to the terrace. I never
did actually see a chase or kill so don’t know if they were being taken by the
adults or the new fledglings. Given the steady procession of immature California
Gulls passing northward around the Point these past few weeks, they would
probably make fairly easy prey targets and good things for the young birds to
practice on as they hone their hunting skills.
As we close up the Gray Whale shop for the season and head off to other waiting
research endeavors, all four new fledglings remain on and around the lighthouse
grounds and so far seem to seldom venture much further up or down the coast or
even over across the fence onto the Hearst property. It will be up to Carole
Adams and her cadre of dedicated and devoted plant restoration volunteers and
others here to keep tabs on the Peregrines progress from this writing forward.
Other birds –
Things perked up a bit in the ‘other birds’ department these past two weeks.
Most notable and a landmark sighting (i.e., my personal one and only ‘new’
species for Piedras Blancas this season) were a pair of White-faced Ibis that
flew around the ‘Point’ at 1045hrs on Wednesday (5/19) while Carole Adams looked
on from the housing area. I didn’t really think much more about it until Brian
Hatfield came by several hours later returning from a beach survey and tweaking
the suspense a bit by announcing he’d seen “a couple interesting birds” just up
the road. “Ibis?” I queried, and sure enough, the pair of ibis had landed in
that somewhat permanent marshy wet spot along the east side of rt.1 about one
mile north of the lighthouse, just south of Cappuccino Cove where they remained
at least to early evening. There were no more sightings or reports until a note
appeared on the Internet (Slocobirding listserv) that someone had sighted a
single White-faced Ibis in that same spot on Monday (5/24). I mobilized to check
it out and found there was indeed a White-faced Ibis there again. This one was a
totally different individual from the earlier two judging by the cleaner face
pattern and it also had a ‘trick knee’ or something which caused it’s left foot
to kick up high as it feeds and strides around the marsh. The joint in the left
knee itself appears inflamed reddish and a bit swollen, perhaps from an injury
of some sort. As of Saturday morning (5/29), this single White-faced Ibis
remains and is most reliable at least in the mornings and with luck, afternoons
too. Along with the ibis on Saturday morning (5/29), there was also a Cattle
Egret present along with several Great and Snowy Egrets. Over the years, this
little roadside shallow has been quite a productive spot and one of the few that
seems to retain water throughout the Spring.
After an absolute dearth of passerine migrants this Spring, during this last
week of May, we finally experienced a little taste of a Spring landbird
migration which seemed to otherwise pass us by. Nothing much, but the most
notable and surprising was a very late Ruby-crowned Kinglet that turned up
around the bird bath on Wednesday (5/26) constituting the only one seen here
this season. These normally wintering songbirds are usually long gone from San
Luis Obispo County by the end of April or very early May, and this May 26th
sighting may represent a late date record for the county.
It looks like I will be leaving before the one and only Anna’s Hummingbird nest
I’ve found this season hatches. She’s been quietly nestled on her nest on the
tip of a cypress branch for about two weeks now incubating two miniature jelly
bean sized eggs. Otherwise, and as painful as it is, I finally had to dismantle
the bird feeding station behind Quarters “D” and cut everyone off cold turkey.
Only the American Goldfinches seem the most perplexed as they continue to fly to
the poles and sock feeders that are no longer there. The numerous Anna’s and
Allen’s Hummingbirds are cut off too but will adjust by moving to the neighbors
feeders and the fortuitous blooming of a host of flowers including Salvia, a
hummingbird favorite. I finally gave up on trying to evict the pair of House
Finches that have been determined and persistent at nesting on the Barn Swallow
nest ledge over the back garage door. I have yanked that nest out at least a
dozen times in the last few weeks in hopes of encouraging the Barn Swallow’s
return. As the Barn Swallows seemed to finally give up now, I have too, and now
the nest sports 4 freshly laid House Finch eggs.
As our gray whale season is closed now, it’s time to say good bye to our
steadfast companions down at the study site. “Bob” the Common Crow, who’s been
with us now for three seasons will have to look elsewhere for his handouts.
“Bob” had gotten quite accustomed to flying up on our big mounted 25X binoculars
and take peanuts tossed to him in midair. Once he’s stuffed his crop full, he
takes the booty back to the home cache which is as like last year somewhere way
beyond the visitor’s elephant seal beach and around the distant grassy knoll –
as a crow flies, that’s a good 4-5 miles when I finally lose site of him in the
big binos, and he’s still going.
“Fred and Ethel,” the same pair of Western Gulls that have occupied the site
with us for several successive years have been interesting to watch going
through their fascinating courtship rituals. Another Western Gull which we call
“Ahab” or “Peg-leg” because he is missing his right foot (web part) and hobbles
around on the ‘peg’ is quite a scrapper and has adapted to his handicap quite
well. He’s been a part of our landscape for several years as well but is not
tolerated in the presence of “Fred & Ethel.” “Fred” and “Ahab” got into a snit
early in the season back in early April, posturing back and forth, until “Fred”
literally grabbed “Ahab” by the wing and escorted (literally dragged) him for
about 20 feet(!) to the edge of the parking lot. It’s not a very nice way to
treat the handicapped but there have been no more such altercations since and
the moment “Fred” or “Ethel” are within sight, “Ahab” departs immediately
regardless of his otherwise faithful attention to us is when “Fred and Ethel”
aren’t around. Not to be just taken for granted and dismissed as just some
seagull, it’s quite interesting that how over time and even years, one discovers
to recognize individuals and learn how faithful and site specific some gulls can
be. Such is the case with these particular Western Gulls at Point Piedras
Blancas.
Some of our other terrestrial animal friends that have kept us company through
the long days of effort were “Hoover,” the California Ground Squirrel which hugs
the ground and pavement and reminds us of a vacuum cleaner as he scarfs up all
the bird seed and as hard as it is not to, we try not to encourage him too much.
New this year was our Long-tailed Weasel, dubbed “GW” or “JK” depending on your
political leanings, although for this guy, he’s much too cute for either. He’s
been quite bold sometimes as he sniffs out voles and sparrows and has afforded
the lucky camera toting gray whale observer some remarkable photo opportunities.
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett <Pterodroma@aol.com
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
****************************************************
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
Weeks 7 & 8 of 10 – 02 thru 15 May 2004
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
Dense coastal fog and a cold wind on Monday (5/03) obliterated all visibility
most of that day and in a psychological sense seemingly isolated us from the
rest of California (and the world) where temperatures here were around 48F with
a wind chill which made it seem more like we were in the Alaskan Aleutians,
while just across the road (rt.1) the Hearst Castle baked at 95F and the Paso
Robles area, just over the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains and only about 15 miles
as a crow flies, fried at 108F! Despite that little taste of “Alaska” here, Gray
Whale cows & calves continued to pour past our observation and study site at the
Point Piedras Blancas Light Station throughout the first week of May averaging
22 pair per day.
As mid-May approaches, the pace is showing signs of slowing and our per day
average for the second week of May was down to about 12 pair. The pace has been
fast and furious since beginning abruptly on April 20 and continuing steady for
three weeks. As of Friday (5/14), it seemed like the faucet was turned off as we
had our slowest day since April 9 with only 4 pair. As it should, the season is
winding down and daily counts will continue to diminish to very near zero by the
end of May.
To date, we have sighted 446 Gray Whale cow/calf pair. Despite our reduced
effort this season (5 days per week instead of 6), a quick examination and
extrapolation of data shows that the 2004 season has already surpassed the
record 1997 season which saw just over 500 to approximately 541 so far this
year, ...and we still have two weeks to go! Very likely, in the final analysis
of these data which takes into account nights and off effort Saturdays and
Sundays, the final estimates for 2004 calf production may well be up around
1,800. This represents a remarkable recovery especially after our lean years of
1999, 2000, and 2001 where calf production crashed to the all time low of around
300 (years 2000 & 2001) which is believed related more to unavailable food
resources due to prolonged ice cover in NW Alaska than anything more sinister.
Northbound and nearshore Blue Whales were sighted on 5 of our 10 survey days
these past two weeks in groups of ones and twos. Some lucky and well deserving
hard working plant restoration volunteers one-upped us keen eyed observers and
researchers on Monday (5/10) by spotting 3 Killer Whales (orcas) which
apparently sneaked in from the north or west coming up very near the Outer Islet
reportedly following one of the many California Sea Lions which haul out there.
We never did see them and only heard about the sighting some time after the
fact. Of course, we aren’t really watching that area since the Gray Whales come
up from the south so I’d like to say our oversight was forgivable.
Gray Whale sightings (week 7: 03-07 May 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 89
adult/juveniles---- 8
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin,
Risso’s Dolphin,
effort hours ------- 47.5 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
47.5 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (week 8: 10-14 May 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 49
adult/juveniles---- 12
other species------ Blue Whale, (Killer Whale)
effort hours ------- 54.0 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
54.0 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (2004 season summary to date)
cow/calf pairs----- 446
adult/juveniles---- 614
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Killer Whale,
Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin (sp?), Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s
Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin
effort hours ------- 442.7 offshore (out of a possible 472.5)
447.3 inshore (out of a possible 472.5)
Coastal Sea and water birds –-
Pacific Loons continue their Alaska / Canada bound trek past the ‘Point’ passing
typically in tight little packs of 40-70. Brant Geese and Surf Scoters have
become increasingly scarce and generally reduced now to small stings of
stragglers. Although nothing particularly dramatic was noted during week 7, week
8 was dominated both day and night by the first significant return of the more
familiar coastal northerly winds with our first gale event of the season on
Monday (5/10). Those gales on Monday finally created a good solid upwelling and
color line that surfaced on Wednesday (5/12) about ½ mile offshore along which
were concentrated many hundreds of Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, thousands
of Red and Red-necked Phalaropes, and at least two Xantus’s Murrelets. That day
also yielded one of the best loon flight days in several weeks which included a
single sub-adult Yellow-billed Loon. Doubtlessly the avian highlight of the
season so far, this was the first Yellow-billed Loon seen around here in a
several years and at 0830hrs, that entirely straw yellow straight-edged up
tilted bill really gleamed bright in the morning sun as this very rare and
striking bird passed by at less than 200 meters.
On Tuesday (5/11), Whimbrels by the hundreds dominated the coastal flyway all
day long as they clung to the shore line heading north into the strong long
shore headwinds constituting the best Whimbrel day observed here this season.
Surprisingly, there were no Franklin’s Gulls seen during this two-week reporting
period. Brown Pelicans continue their steady dispersal northward in ever
increasing numbers as flock formations gracefully drift past or over the ‘Point’
throughout each and every day.
Peregrine Falcon –
Three of the four Peregrine chicks are getting close to fledging while the
fourth remains about a week behind. The older ones which are well feather out
now are often seen during the mornings perched on the edge of the cave like
eyrie on the sunny southeast facing side of the Outer Islet flexing their wings
and preparing for that first leap of faith which may well come this coming week.
The adult male and female spend much of the day, even the windy ones, perched on
the antenna at the top of the lighthouse from which they can gauge every
potential prey item morsel which happens into their sight. Favored items are
Short-billed Dowitchers, stray Bonaparte’s Gulls, offshore phalaropes, the
occasional small alcid, and virtually any wayward pigeon or dove which happens
to wander by.
Other birds –
There remains little to report in the ‘other birds’ department. The last of our
overwintering Golden-crowned Sparrows hit the road during the first week of May.
Migrant songbirds (passerines) continue to completely bypass the ‘Point’ this
season. For one, the long shore windy environment isn’t particularly inviting
anyway and there have been no timely offshore Santa Anna winds to deflect a
migration coastward. Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds keep themselves busy at the
feeders and are attempting to nest where they can find a suitable spot. The one
Anna’s nest which I found under construction on Monday (5/03) contained it’s
first egg on Sunday (5/09) which then promptly became a casualty to the gales of
Monday (5/10). Somewhat rare out here, an adult male Black-chinned Hummingbird
has been an off and on visitor these past two weeks.
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett <Pterodroma@[remove]aol.com
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
****************************************************
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
Weeks 5 & 6 of 10 – 18 April thru 01 May 2004
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
The nearshore Alaska bound migration of Gray Whale cow/calf pairs these past
two weeks of April has been in full swing and at it’s peak as we averaged just
over 23 pair per day through the period with a high day of 32 pair on Tuesday
(4/27). Even with our reduced survey effort, 5 days per week instead of 6, the
2004 count so far is the second highest in all of our eleven successive seasons
here at Piedras Blancas since 1994. This is a very promising sign that the
health of the California Gray Whale is very good indeed.
It has been a very busy couple of weeks as the weather gods cooperated each and
every day blessing us with generally warm and calm conditions with visits by Mr.
Fog conveniently limited to both nonworking Saturdays. Monday and Tuesday (4/26
& 4/27) were probably the warmest days ever experienced during all these seasons
when normally our spring days are most pleasantly warm in the mornings but quite
chilly and windy in the afternoons. TV / movie crews from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s
Ocean Futures Society and network TV from the Republic of Korea were present
this past week as each were filming documentaries tracking the Gray Whale
migration from Baja to Alaska including footage of our study site and animals as
they approached and passed Piedras Blancas. The weather and the whales
cooperated beautifully and no one was disappointed albeit probably a little
sunburned.
At times, multiple cow/calf pairs piled up in the generally calm leeward waters
of the bay only a few feet off the southeast side of the ‘Point’ where they
lingered and maintained close group physical contact as they rolled around all
over each other. Perhaps there is also no rush since they may also sense the
danger that lies ahead in Monterey Bay where large numbers of Killer Whales have
set up a gauntlet of sorts and have been making a record killing on the moving
buffet of new born Gray Whale calves this year.
Our first Killer Whale sightings here this Spring were three individuals passing
north about ½ mile off the ‘Point’ on Thursday (4/29). Based on shape and nicks
in the dorsal fin, one of those was a male recognized as probably “CA52" and one
of the transient mammal eating orcas known to inhabit the waters around Monterey
Bay and the Central Coast. Blue Whale sightings included northbound pairs on
Friday (4/23) and Saturday (5/01). Other cetacean species seen these past two
weeks included Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Risso’s
Dolphin.
Elephant Seals continue to pack the area beaches with numbers peaking during the
last week of April at around 8,000. The best place to take in the show remains
the ‘Vista Point’ overlook along route 1, one mile south of the Piedras Blancas
lighthouse. In the coming weeks of May, these numbers will gradually recede as
the mostly adult females, juveniles, and new born this past winter / spring
finish their molt and return to the sea. Up to three Steller’s Sea Lions were
regulars seen hauled out on the lower Piedras Blancas Rocks (those two rocks
directly off the Elephant Seal viewing area) and on the Outer Islet here at the
Point from Wednesday thru Friday (4/28-30).
Gray Whale sightings (week 5: 19-23 April 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 106
adult/juveniles---- 8
other species------ Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s
Dolphin,
effort hours ------- 60.0 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
60.0 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (week 6: 26-30 April 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 131
adult/juveniles---- 12
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Killer Whale
effort hours ------- 57.0 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
59.1 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (2004 season summary to date)
cow/calf pairs----- 310
adult/juveniles---- 597
other species------ Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Humpback Whale, Killer Whale,
Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin (sp?), Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s
Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin
effort hours ------- 341.2 offshore (out of a possible 352.5)
345.8 inshore (out of a possible 352.5)
Coastal Sea and water birds –-
Coastal seabird migration seems be considerably less intense and dynamic this
season compared to those particularly during the mid and late 1990's. 2002 was a
relatively unremarkable season and this Spring appears even less so. Pacific
Loons continue moving north as they will through the end of May with the peak
having occurred in mid April with 15-25,000 per day. However, there have been
none of those long drawn out prolonged mesmerizing outbursts where loon flights
are sometimes observed sustained for 30 minutes or more as 600-1,000 pass a
fixed point per minute! Much like 2002, the migration corridor appears much
wider and further offshore rather than concentrated within 200 meters of the
‘Point’ with much smaller flocks of 200 or less followed by periods of relative
calm. From our vantage point here on the beach, there appears to be little or no
strong upwelling or color line which typically tends to concentrate all sorts of
seabirds and along which even the whales and dolphins often tend to follow.
Brant Geese and Surf Scoters continue but in ever decreasing numbers through the
end of April. To date, only 4 White-winged Scoters and zero Black Scoters have
been casually sighted.
Like 2002, tube-nosed seabirds, shearwaters and albatross have been something of
a relative rarity, again perhaps owing to the apparent weak presence of the
coastal upwelling. Pink-footed Shearwaters are extremely scarce and Sooty
Shearwaters quite sporadic, present in low numbers some days and entirely absent
in others. To date, only one Black-footed Albatross has been sighted at all this
season.
Alcid numbers picked up a bit with more Common Murres and a few Rhinoceros
Auklets, both of which have been unusually scarce all season. Single early
northbound Xantus’s Murrelets were sighted just outside the surf break on both
Thursday and Friday (4/29 and 4/30).
The most notable seabird event these past two weeks was a massive flight of
Red-necked Phalaropes on Tuesday (4/20) where countless tens of thousands
streamed by all day long mostly concentrated ½ to 1 mile offshore. True to form
with phalarope migration here, massive flights occur during a very short window
with this season’s limited to just one day (4/20) with not a single one seen
since!
There were three Franklin’s Gull sightings, all breeding adults and all on
Wednesday (4/28). Otherwise, the Spring coastal gull flight is fairly routine
and normal especially during the more windy afternoons with steady little
gaggles of mostly California Gulls with the occasional Western and Glaucous-winged
in the mix which follow every little nuance of the coastline and cliff face as
they disperse northward.
If anything is more numerous than usual this season, Brown Pelicans have been
making a strong showing throughout the month of April as numbers build each and
every day. Brown Pelicans are present throughout the year but usually not in
really noticeable numbers until mid to late May as long formations of these post
breeding birds from Baja, i.e., the “Mexican Air Force” as we like to call them,
add moments of spectacular drama to the coastal front with their dynamic
maneuvers. Usually, Heermann’s Gulls disperse northward in concert with the
pelicans, and in ever increasing numbers from mid May onwards. So far, the
Heermann’s Gull movement has yet to materialize at all as post breeding migrants
and overwintering birds have been exceedingly scarce this season.
Peregrine Falcon –
Life continues proceeding well up in the Peregrine house in the cave-like eyrie
on the southeast face of the Outer Islet. Following the 4/13 hatching of three
healthy young, a fourth one made a debut appearance on Monday 4/26. This one was
about half the size of the others but with intensive motherly care appeared to
be treated preferentially over the others in the early days until the late one
could hold it’s own with it’s ever increasingly demanding and hungry siblings.
In the past week, all have grown rapidly and I can hardly tell them apart. Gone
is the fuzzy white down which gave way to fuzzy brown down, to the present as
they begin to feather out. Hatching this year was about a week earlier than
usual and I would expect fledgling probably late in the third week of May. This
is the third year in a row to have four fledgling Peregrines produced on the
Outer Islet where they have been known to nest ever since records were first
kept back in the late 1800's!
Other birds –
Not much new to report in the ‘other birds’ department. The aggregation of
Golden-crowned Sparrows which started out as 15-20 in March thru mid April is
down to two by the end of the month. Migrant passerines have largely avoided the
‘Point’ this year which is not at all surprising as much of the nonnative brush
and cypress cover which provided shelter has either been removed or trimmed to
lend a more tidy appearance to the lighthouse site. Migrants are migrants, and
they can find all they need nearby and off site. On the bright side, the ongoing
removal of the choking rank and thick iceplant with all it’s everlasting
sterility and now replaced with a regeneration of natural and native plants
characteristic to the Central Coast is providing slow but long term improvement
to habitat for our local native nesting birds like White-crowned Sparrows with
others like Wrentits, Scrub Jays, California Towhees, and Thrashers to hopefully
follow one day in the not so distant future.
Finally, the most startling if not bizarre experience were the five
Yellow-headed Blackbirds seen on Saturday (5/01). I had just returned from a
foggy Saturday morning beach walk up at Arroyo de la Cruz, and pulled in to open
the gate. The bizarre part was that after I drove through and waiting and
watching through the rear view mirror for the automatic gate to close behind me,
I saw those five Yellow-headed Blackbirds (1 adult male, 2 females, and 2
immature) IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR all lined up side by side sitting on the
Hearst gate on the opposite of the highway. Yellow-headed Blackbirds out here on
the outer coast are a generally scarce commodity to start with, but first
spotting a ‘rare’ bird in this manner was a definite first!
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett <Pterodroma@[remove]aol.com
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
****************************************************
Week 4 of 10 April 11-17, 2004
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
The nearshore Gray Whale cow/calf migration continued to gain momentum this
week with 56 pair seen during our Monday thru Friday survey days compared with
14 during the previous week. Statistically compared to previous years, calf
production appears at least equal if not a little better and all appear to be in
good health. Baring any disruptions in visibility by any unpredictable visits by
‘Mr. Fog,’ the coming week should yield many more with week 5 being the
approximate peak. The marine weather forecast for the region looks good all week
with no significant rain or wind events anticipated at this writing.
The season’s first northbound Blue Whales were sighted this week with two on
Thursday (4/15) and two more on Friday (4/16), both sightings less than a mile
off the ‘Point.’ Racing north and churning the sea surface into a froth on
Friday (4/16) less than a mile from shore was a large and spectacular mixed
three-species school of Risso’s, Pacific White-sided, and Northern Right Whale
Dolphins. The sleek and genuinely handsome Right Whale Dolphins (100-200
individuals) led the pack making the sighting the largest number ever sighted
here during our decade of Gray Whale survey studies here.
The Elephant Seals (females, juvenile males, pups) continue to pour ashore and
pack the beaches to molt by the thousands with heaviest concentrations located
between the lighthouse and the ‘Vista Point’ a mile south. The sight at the
latter is quite the impressive show stopper for anyone driving the Coast Highway
up from Cambria or down from Big Sur. At times judging by the packed parking
lot, there are at times about as many fascinated gawkers as sun baking Elephant
Seals. A stop there right now and on through the end of the month is really very
much worth anyone’s time for a look and to take a few pictures as there is no
where else more convenient or accessible in the USA to witness this remarkable
spectacle. A dedicated cadre of volunteer interpretive docent “Friends of the
Elephant Seals” (FES) are always present to answer questions and assist with
your enjoyment.
Gray Whale sightings (week 4: 11-17 April 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 56
adult/juveniles---- 27
other species------ Blue Whale, Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Common Dolphin
(sp?), Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin
effort hours ------- 60.0 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
60.0 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (2004 season summary to date)
cow/calf pairs----- 73
adult/juveniles---- 577
other species------ Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, Pacific White-sided Dolphin,
Common Dolphin (sp?), Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Northern Right Whale
Dolphin
effort hours ------- 224.2 offshore (out of a possible 232.5)
226.7 inshore (out of a possible 232.5)
Coastal Sea and water birds –
After last week’s big Brant Geese flight, numbers this week diminished
dramatically. Gone are those frequent huge skeins 400-800 strong, down this week
to fewer flocks and rarely more than 150. Surf Scoters continue to decline as
well and there were no White-winged or Black Scoters seen in the casual glances
nearshore. Pacific Loons made a strong morning showing with 25-30,000 on
Thursday (4/16) but otherwise, daily flights were relatively light with 10,000
per day.
The migration of Bonaparte’s Gulls has become less noticeable than in the
previous two. Fewer numbers seem to be following the coastline as they seemed to
be moving along the coastal upwelling 1-2 miles offshore. The season’s first
Franklin’s Gull, a beautiful adult with a nice rosy blush showing on the chest
and belly, crossed over the ‘Point’ all alone between the lighthouse and the
housing area at 1655hrs on Wednesday (4/17). Single northbound Black-legged
Kittiwakes were seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (4/13, 4/15, 4/17).
Tube-nosed seabirds were scarce this week and mostly early morning events with
just the few Sooty Shearwaters and occasional Pink-footed Shearwater detectable
from shore with most out about two miles. Northbound Common Murres were a little
more conspicuous this week but Rhinoceros Auklets remain a strangely scarce
commodity around here as they have been all season.
Peregrine Falcon –
Great news on the Peregrine front as our pair of nesting falcons debuted two
tiny gray downy chicks early Monday morning (4/13). A third and slightly smaller
chick joined it’s siblings on Thursday (4/16) as the female ripped and tore
little bits of some prey item into tiny bite size pieces and fed each one by one
as the cave eyrie entrance was brilliantly illuminated and warmed by the morning
sun. Once the sun moves overhead and the entrance becomes shaded, the chicks
usually retreat back into the warmth and safety of the far right corner. There
may be a fourth chick in the batch but by weeks end, we had not been able to
confirm that with absolute certainty.
Other birds –
The woodchip lawn out back of our living quarters continues to sport 12-15
Golden-crowned Sparrows and it will be interesting to see how long they linger
as they scratch for the little bits of white millet strewn about. Passerine
migrants are sparse and infrequent and have included just the usual coastal
scrub migrants, namely Orange-crowned, Wilson’s, and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
The Rufous Hummingbird migration tapered off this week after last week’s strong
showing. There are still the occasional adult male Rufous each day, but most of
the others apart from the resident and nesting Anna’s are female Selasphorus
types, most probably Rufous at this stage but one or two nesting Allen’s as
well.
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett <Pterodroma@[remove]aol.com
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
****************************************************
Week 3 of 10 April 4-10, 2004
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
This first full week of April continued to see a steady decline of gray whales
in the ‘offshore highway’ and a gradual increase in numbers of gray whale
cow/calf pairs following the traditional inshore route. By Friday (4/08), there
were no gray whale sightings at all offshore and five cow/calf pair inshore.
The only other cetacean species seen this week was the occasional small gang of
Bottlenose Dolphins. It’s been a little slow in the ancillary department so far
and hopefully we will be treated to a greater diversity as the season
progresses. To date since commencing these studies at Piedras Blancas, we have
logged a quite respectable 16 cetacean (whale & dolphin) species
Gray Whale sightings (week 3, 05-09 April 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 14
adult/juveniles---- 66
other species------ Bottlenose Dolphin
effort hours ------- 57.7 offshore (out of a possible 60.0)
59.2 inshore (out of a possible 60.0)
Gray Whale sightings (2004 season summary to date)
cow/calf pairs----- 17
adult/juveniles---- 548
other species------ Humpback Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin
effort hours ------- 164.0 offshore (out of a possible 172.5)
166.7 inshore (out of a possible 172.5)
Coastal Sea and water birds –
This was the big week (perhaps peak week) for northbound Brant Geese, especially
Friday & Saturday (4/08-09) as many thousands, often in huge flocks (400-800)
steadily passed Piedras Blancas all day long. The Surf Scoter migration has
subsided in intensity as we enter the month of April but there should still be
some big days ahead. There have been no Black Scoters noted and only four
White-winged Scoters have been seen so far. Apart from occasional little groups
of Red-breasted Mergansers, no other sea ducks were observed. The most startling
surprise was a small northbound flock of 6 Canada Geese which came up
unexpectedly passing low over the ‘Point’ on Thursday (4/08)
It was also a good week for migrant Pacific Loons with some days seeing totals
in the 10-20,000 range.
The Pacific Loon migration in the Spring here lasts all season long with some
days seeing as many as 40,000 or more steadily passing the point, often in
pulses and within a long ribbon thin band 200-300 meters offshore with
continuous flow rates of 600-1,000 passing a fixed point per minute! Weeks 4 and
5 should witness the peak of this astonishing spectacle as Pacific Loons wing
north from Baja California to the summer breeding grounds of Canada and Alaska.
Bonaparte’s Gulls continue following the nearshore and coastal route this season
but somewhat sporadic with the heaviest concentration this week during the
afternoon Thursday (4/08). The more traditional ‘seagulls’ (California, Western,
Glaucous-winged) which largely seemed to forsake us in 2003 have returned in
frequent northbound flocks which follow every little nuance of the coastline.
I’m still surprised by the persistent poor showing in 2003 when normally these
gulls are such an ubiquitous and common part of the land and seascape,
especially during the often windy afternoons.
Tubenose seabirds, Sooty Shearwaters in particular are beginning to be seen more
regularly now, but in small numbers and usually a mile or two further offshore.
An immature Black-footed Albatross made a brief appearance about 2 miles
offshore on Thursday (4/08). Apart from our resident Pigeon Guillemots, alcids
of all species are remarkably scarce. The usual regulars like Common Murre and
Rhinoceros Auklet are being seen with less frequency than any season previous. I
haven’t even detected a Rhinoceros Auklet at all so far! In past seasons, I
don’t think a day ever passed without a few nearshore Rhinos around somewhere
during just about any casual glance offshore. Conversely, although largely
missing in 2003, Cassin’s Auklets have been seen in small numbers and
occasionally quite close to shore.
Peregrine Falcon –
Hopefully some good news to report from our resident pair of nesting Peregrine
Falcons. Hatching has perhaps occurred up in the little cave/eyrie on the
southeast side of the Outer Islet (Rock) on Monday or Tuesday (4/05 or 06). The
male was seen delivering a small prey item to the rock on Monday (4/05) at which
time the female bounded out of the far right dark corner to accept the delivery,
then flew off to feast on the prize a short distance away. This was the first
time I had seen the female at all since arriving here onsite on 21 March. The
following day, Tuesday 4/06, another delivery was observed as the male flew to
the eyrie. Again the female bounded out of the corner to accept the item, then
immediately carried it back into the far right corner from where she came and
presumably or at least hopefully intent on feeding it to newly hatched young. If
hatching has occurred, this would make it a little earlier than in past years,
but the timing would seem about right based on reports from Carole Adams and her
cadre of plant volunteers and caretakers who reported observing copulation
taking place on and around the lighthouse a month or so ago. After another week
of watching their behavior around here, we should have a better idea what’s
happening up there.
Other birds –
The menagerie of yard birds scratching in the woodchip lawn is often amazingly
dominated by the continued presence of 10-15 Golden-crowned Sparrows. Some of
these birds are beautiful adults in fresh plumage with gleaming crowns of
‘gold’. The much smaller quantities of white millet sprinkled around in the wood
chips keeps them busy and dare I say even happier than if it was just doled out
by the bucketful on bare ground like in the past. As working for ones living is
good for people, so it also seems for the ground scratching sparrows. Other
players include the resident White-crowned and Song Sparrows, and a show
stopping appearance of an adult ‘white-striped’ White-throated Sparrow on
Wednesday (4/07). Unfortunately, the latter was a one-day wonder and hasn’t been
seen since. Also, the usual House Finches, Brewers, and Red-winged Blackbirds
are about but not overwhelmingly so since I’ve put them on a diet minus the
sunflower seed which I’m not using now so as not to create a mess of seed hulls
everywhere, and I don’t wish to encourage the California Ground Squirrels either
which are beginning to make a renewed appearance around here since they all
disappeared a few years. ago. Not on any diet at all is the little swarm of
American Goldfinches which attach themselves all day long to niger filled
hanging sock feeders. Their constant jubilant song and brilliant colorful
plumage is worth the small extra price to pay to keep them around and happy.
The first full week of April 2004 presented a more normal coastal flight of
Spring migrant Rufous Hummingbirds. Their numbers at any one time seemed
sporadic as they seemed to come and go in little waves of a dozen or so but
often didn’t seem to linger for long; just long enough to tank up and move on.
Last year, any Rufous Hummingbirds at all was something of a rarity at all
around here as they seemed to skip the outer coast and move north through
interior California. A stunning adult male Calliope Hummingbird thrilled all who
cared to watch during the afternoon Wednesday (4/07) as it was so nicely
illuminated on the feeder in the afternoon soon against a blue ocean backdrop.
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what
nobody has thought" --Albert Szent-Gyorgi (1893-1986).
****************************************************
Weeks 1 and 2 of 10 -- March 21 through April 3, 2004
Piedras Blancas Gray Whale cow/calf survey
We commenced our 11th season at the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Light Station
study site to monitor the northbound California Gray Whale cow/calf migration on
Monday, 22 March. With a ‘zero’ budget this season, we’ve had to make and adapt
to a few modifications which shouldn’t impact the final analysis. Most
significant is starting a week later and operating 5 days per week instead of
the usual six. Apart from that, we will just have to tighten our belts a little
bit and enjoy that extra day off which won’t be hard to do in such a glorious
area as Piedras Blancas itself and the taking advantage of all the infinite
magic and natural beauty that the Central California coast has to offer up for
virtually free.
Gray Whales and other marine mammals –
These first two weeks has been the transition period as the offshore phase of
Gray Whale adult males, pregnant females, and juveniles which pass by in the
more ‘offshore’ highway gradually winds down from peaking 3-4 weeks ago and the
first arrivals of cows and calves which follow a more inshore coastal route come
along steadily increasing through the month of April then slowly tapering off
during May. The first cow/calf was sighted during week 1 on Thursday, 3/25, and
two were seen during week 2. This coming week 3 promises more.
Other cetaceans seen this week included our first Humpback Whale (cow & calf)
which passed within 100 meters of the ‘Point’ plus occasional small cruising
schools of Bottlenose and Risso’s Dolphins. Elephant Seals (females, juveniles,
and pups) are starting to pack the beaches again as they come ashore to molt as
they yelp, belch, and bask in the sun and occasionally spar with each other. By
late April, they will likely virtually carpet some stretches of nearby beaches
like piles of driftwood and number in the thousands. The adult males which
dominate the scene here during the winter are long gone and far out to sea.
Gray Whale sightings (week 1, 22-26 March 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 1
adult/juveniles---- 347
other species------ Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin
effort hours ------- 55.0 offshore (out of a possible 55.0)
55.0 inshore (out of a possible 55.0)
Gray Whale sightings (week 2, 29 March - 02 April 2004)
cow/calf pairs----- 2
adult/juveniles---- 135
other species------ Humpback Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin
effort hours ------- 51.5 offshore (out of a possible 57.5)
52.5 inshore (out of a possible 57.5)
Seabirds –
Alaska and Canada bound Brant Geese and Surf Scoters have been the primary
players these first two weeks as the dominate the northward Spring coastal
seabird migration. Loons were at a trickle pace during the first week but by
week two, Pacific Loons were building from scattered singles to small packs and
strings thus more noticeable. Red-throated and Common Loons are also scattered
throughout but often way overshadowed by the enormous migration of Pacific Loons
which should peak in mid-late April with as many at 25-40,000 passing by during
any given morning. Some of these loon flights in April can be utterly hypnotic
spectacles with as many as 600-1,000 per minute passing a fixed point sustained
nonstop for a half hour or more. Thursday morning (4/01) was our best day of
this first two week period with the first significant flights of Pacific Loons
(~5,000) and several thousand Brant and Surf Scoters. Even more interesting was
a sudden but apparently short lived flight of Bonaparte’s Gulls with many
hundreds passing by between sunrise and noon. It used to be back in the
mid-1990's that Bonaparte’s Gulls were a routine and predictable part of coastal
migration landscape as they tightly followed the coastline and crossed over the
‘Point’ right over our heads in a momentary blizzard of “blown apart” gulls as
they encountered the headwinds that at times blast across the Piedras Blancas.
Then, in the late 1990's the Bonaparte’s Gulls all seemed to disappear, the
entire Spring would pass and we’d hardly see any at all. They weren’t gone, they
were just further offshore and out of visual range. The steady flight of flock
after flock on Thursday morning seemed like a good sign that perhaps they might
be returning to the coastal shore this Spring, but by noon, they were all gone
and on Friday, none were seen at all nor much else including loons, brant, and
scoters. I probably saw more Bonaparte’s Gulls on Thursday morning (4/01) than
the entire season’s sum totals for the past 5 years! There is no predicting
exactly what each day will bring and it’s always just that diversity and the not
infrequent appearance of the unexpected which keeps things exciting and keeps us
alert and on our toes.
Other interesting and somewhat uncommon sightings these first two weeks were
singles each of Northern Fulmar (3/22), Black-legged Kittiwake (3/23), Ancient
Murrelet (3/30), and a southbound Cattle Egret (3/30). The only ‘tube-nosed’
seabird sightings during these first two weeks were a few Sooty Shearwaters
early on 3/29.
Peregrine Falcon –
Our resident pair of Peregrines are back and appear to be nesting in the little
natural cavity on the leeward (southeast) face of Outer Islet which has long
been the traditional nesting site for over a century. Courtship and copulation
was reported taking place around and atop the lighthouse about a month ago.
Presumably if all is going on schedule, the female should be tucked away and out
of sight incubating while the male stands guard and just patiently hangs out on
top of the lighthouse or on some nearby ledge on the Outer Islet when not out
hunting. The Peregrine successfully fledged 4 young in both 2002 and 2003.
Baring any mishaps, we should see signs of a successful hatching in a few weeks.
Other birds –
The yard and grounds around our living quarters are teaming with assorted
songbirds which are responding magnificently to the currently refurbished back
yard and gardening efforts under the hard and relentlessly dedicated efforts of
Carole Adams and the team of devoted volunteers who often come out to weed out
undesirable nonnative weeds, iceplant, then plant, replant, and transplant with
species characteristic and native to the central coast. The site has never
looked better and it gets better and better all the time. Of course just
sticking plants in the ground and hoping for the best isn’t necessarily the best
course of action, thus all the dedicated follow-up care including watering,
weeding, and clearing away wind blown rocks and debris give them a better than
fair start. Once established, they should take off and spread on their own which
can be amazingly fast especially in the places where the iceplant has long had
such a solidly dense carpet-like stranglehold. The South African iceplant was
planted here back in the 1930's during the depression era by the CCC in an
effort to control wind blown sand when the ‘Point’ was largely sandy dunes. It
worked and certainly contained blowing sand, but it is also relentless in it’s
tenacity and snuffs out every other form of native vegetation in addition to
creating a sterile monocultural environment which is inhospitable to all other
forms of wildlife including birds.
Carole and the gang have done such a spectacular job with our yard that I don’t
want to clutter it all up with an accumulation of hundreds of pounds of
sunflower seed hulls just to feed the House Finches. In a season of tight
budgets, House Finch feeding is out this year and quite frankly, they’re doing
quite fine without my help and there are just as many as ever including their
most welcoming early morning cacophony of song. $50/week just on bird seed like
2003? Not this year! I have been sprinkling small amounts of left over white
millet in amongst the wood chips which are bedded down across the lawn where
there once long ago was grass. A wood chip lawn is a great idea! It’s tidy, no
watering is required, and the millet sprinkled around makes all the ground
feeders ‘work’ for their grub rather than having it ladled out and gobbled up in
an instant. Already, in addition to the traditional resident House Finches,
White-crowned and Song Sparrows, and just the occasional Brewer’s and Red-winged
Blackbirds, there’s been a record flock of 15-20 Golden-crowned Sparrows all out
there at once and the most I have ever seen during my 11-year Spring tenure here
and I’d like to think this is in part in response to the improvements and
expansion of native plants. American Goldfinches adorn the two niger (thistle
seed) sock feeders adding color and chatter all day long and likewise are dining
on left over seed from 2003. The six hummingbird feeders have been busy,
especially during this past week (week 2) with a moderately strong presence of
Rufous Hummingbirds (brilliant adult males and females) migrating through at
present along with the resident Anna’s and probably an Allen’s or two (female
Allen’s are virtually indistinguishable from female Rufous). Okay, I’m not that
cheap; I can still splurge on a box of sugar a couple of times this season.
****************************************************
Richard Rowlett
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
San Simeon, SLO Co., CA
"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what
nobody has thought" --Albert Szent-Gyorgi (1893-1986).