Owls, 'spurs, Lichens, and a Birthday

7-9 October

This period brought us more uncooperative weather for large movements of landbirds, but we did get a slow trickle of fun new avian visitors. These included an adult Blue-footed Booby, our first Herring and Thayer's Gulls of the season, a Pectoral Sandpiper in the Zalophus wastelands, a Western Palm Warbler (a harbinger of the hordes), a Lapland Longspur, and a White-throated Sparrow. These were in addition to small numbers of more expected birds.

eBird checklists for 7, 8, 9 October.

Burrowing Owls have been increasing, as is typical in the Fall. They arrive during peak mouse density, stay until the mouse population crashes, then switch over to eating Ashy Storm-Petrels: one sensitive species eating another--not an ideal situation. A recent arrival was "Tenacious D-15" below. This owl was banded last year and has returned to the same hole. It likes its hole and won't readily leave it. Witness:

"I don't care how big you are."

"Come on in. The kettle's hot."

This Lapland Longspur would briefly visit a disgusting puddle near the lighthouse, then disappear for minutes to hours. Not everyone was able to see it during its 2-day stay.

This lichen (lichens?), as far as I can tell, is limited to the metal railing around the lighthouse. What does this mean?

Ron Elliot has also returned to dive around the island, as he has every year since the 1980s. He's the only regular visitor (pretty much the only visitor, period) to dive without a shark cage. Watch this excellent video about Ron, featuring footage from the islands--it's worth your time.

Ron Elliot, diving alone with the sharks off of his boat, Great White. The yellow hose on the right is his "Hooka", a hose attached to a compressor on deck and to Ron's mouth underwater. I've seen shark attacks within 200 meters of the boat while he's diving.

Jacob "I Know John Garrett" Drucker recently had a birthday. Don Mastwell made him some kind of chocolate corn cake. It was structurally disingenuous.

Gray Gloom

29 Sep 2016

The Gray Gloom remains upon the island, pushed along by northwest winds that fend off most migrant landbirds. The Great White Shark season is well underway, however,  and the sharks don't care so much about fog. Shark research is carried out on a small boat called Stacy which is launched from the sailing vessel Bayliss:

Stacy and the shark tagging crew waiting for customers.

The Black-throated Sparrow persists on Lighthouse Hill, taking a bit of edge off of the birding doldrums.

The Island's substrates aren't too different from the normal haunts of this desert-dweller

Today's eBird checklist is here.

Tardiness is Next to Godliness...

28 Sep 2016

A slow trickle of migrants continues to grace us. The weather remains ok but less than ideal for large bird movements. Here's our eBird list.

Today's whims brought us a welcome visitor from more balmy climes:

Tropical Kingbird hanging out near the Burning Bush

Our second portrait will be a throwback to last year when we (Adam, Eva, Boo--thanks Eva!) chucked a GoPro/faucet off of East Landing and accidentally found a red abalone. Their populations plummeted after years of exploitation and they remain scarce and continue to decline on the Farallones.

Who wanders by this mirrored shore,

And from a basin's rugged edge

In the limpid depths peers wide and deep,

Where lolling tides lie half asleep,

Will the strange sea forms venture o'er

The weed-grown, creviced, glassy floor...

Excerpt from "Sea Folk" from The Farallones The Painted World and Other Poems of California

by Milton S. Ray

East Landing Abalone!

For Whom the Bell's Tolls

27 Sep 2016

The lovely eastern Bell's Vireo continued today and Zack found an island bird for Rob, et al.--a Black-throated Sparrow! Its portrait will be featured on a later post as it was seen very poorly on the first day of its stay. Here is the Sep 27th eBird checklist.

In its stead, we have the always lovely Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris)--we love them, sharks love them, flies love them. Who could dislike this animal? Well, humans definitely did, for a long time. A long time. And the result of this was near-extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts (money and legislation), this species has staged a spectacular comeback. Elephant seals increase in numbers on the Farallones in the fall and winter and Great White Shark numbers increase accordingly.

Our shared ancestry is obvious. This portrait of a lounging elephant seal was taken in Garbage Gulch

And here we have a guest-portrait by Don Mastwell.

The eastern Bell's Vireo, pre-banding. A lovely life bird for all parties present.

Eastern Bell's Vireo for President

26 Sep 2016

A nice assortment of birds arrived on the island today (see the complete checklist here), but the obvious highlight was an eastern Bell's Vireo(!) that was found by Major Tietz late in the day in the Coast Guard Tree. All hands were on deck to see the vireo in the light of the setting sun.

Three nerds, including D. Mastwell and R. Rockly, successfully viewing the Bell's Vireo in the failing light. Guest Portrait by Jacob Drucker.

Thankfully, the vireo flew into a net and allowed us to examine it in all of its glory. Guest Portrait by The Future.

Heat Waves

25 September 2016

Today was very hot on the island and very clear--and very birdy. Visibility greater than 60 miles often bodes poorly for bird arrivals on the island--but this was an exception. About 200 birds arrived, mostly Golden-crowned and Fox Sparrows with good numbers of Spotted Towhees, Hermit Thrushes, and Savannah Sparrows--see a complete eBird checklist here.

The island residents, J. Tietz, Alyssa Om, J. Drucker, and G. Duncan were very pleased with the avian bounty brought by Mastwell and Rockly.

Don Mastwell in action at Heligoland. He's either recording bird numbers or reading some trashy fantasy fiction. It's impossible to tell.

Smoke from the Sawmill Fire in Sonoma county provided for a nice sunset--and a further reminder that much of California remains in a severe drought.

Hello

Well, we're off to a punctual start: Blog #1 is four days late.

On 24 September, Don Mastwell, Rob Rockly, and Mach Zikalonis arrived to reinforce the Farallones Crew. East Landing is broken again, so we have to use North Landing for the foreseeable future--just like old times.

Birds were slow on Day 1, but Rob was able to score an island bird in short order (see below).
Click here for the eBird checklist for 24 September.

We are all crossing our fingers hoping for good weather to incite bird migration. Until then? Portraits.

Rob's 171st Island Bird: Rock Pigeon

A portrait of the Aulon Islets at sunset

It's True. All of it.

Rumors are to be believed. Rob Rockly and Don Mastwell are heading back out to the Farallones. Rob's trip was cut short by a pesky eyeball infection(?), resulting in some Seriously Missed Birds, but the pain was more obtuse than it could have been.

If rumors suggest that I am already on The Island, those rumors are Lies.

Rumors that I have unfinished business, however, are true. I do have unfinished business. Here you will find business, finished. The final blog of the 2015 season.

First order of business:

107.04	101.1
SCI	SEFI

Alas, it is true. The Stahlian Hordes were able to surge to victory in the great Battle of El Niño. However, a rematch has been ordered and will commence Saturday, 24 September, upon the arrival of Don and Rob on The Island.

Here, now, are your eight missing portraits from 2015. 

[Portait #1 is the new frontispiece of the blog (look up there ^)]

A traditional portrait of a traditional man

This is a Pelagic Cormorant. Contrary to unpopular belief, this is not a snake.

This must be one of the least disappointed bird species that ends up on SEFI, the lovely Rock Wren. Please, friend, inform the Canyon Wrens of our stony bounty.

"Bloody Mary Bloody Mary Bloody Mary" The smaller of these two Elephant Seals (bottom) took a grazing bite from a shark--it was a shallow wound and likely healed right up.

"Hello"

Red-breasted Nuthatches are probably somewhat more disappointed than Rock Wrens. Few things to hatch.

Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)

Callorhinus

16 September

No, TPAD is not dead. But it will soon be dead. Until it dies, I give you TPADFFMD.

Once a month some intrepid souls make the journey over to Main Top Island (West End) to visit the Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus) colony, census all of the pinnipeds, look for tagged animals, and maybe pull some spinach. Ideally, this is done on a slow/no bird day. Cases of Faranoia may become particularly acute on such days (see this post from last year).

West End is loud, smelly, and furry: bleats growls and wickers are broadcast continuously and are punctuated by the unmistakable roaring of Steller's Sea Lions. Adults fight, pups fight, sea lions and fur seals bicker. A noisy smelly place that is thoroughly enjoyable to expose one's self to. Take me back.

Here is a family portrait (not really, but they are all Northern Fur-seals) from Weather Service Peninsula, which lies on the west end of Southeast Farallon Island

Look at this thing. Keep looking at it. Don't stop looking at it. Is that the longest you've ever laid eyes on a Northern Fur-seal?

In Which Railey II, A Mouse, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler

14-15 September 2015

Yes, dear readers, another FPAD...or 4PT.

The birds have begun to trickle. Presaging a crack in The Wall? Is birds coming? We don't yet know.

The good news is this: WE ARE IN THE LEAD AGAINST SAN CLEMENTE.  Will it last? It mightn't. It might. Stay tuned.

Here are portraits from these days:

An eastern warbler!  This Chestnut-sided Warbler hung around with the hooligans of Lighthouse Hill

There are mice.  Here's a mouse.  Someday we hopet'n't have mice.

This is a Virginia Rail in temporary residence on the (very) windy side of the lighthouse.  It looked  exactly like this all day.  So we (Boo) caught it and brought it down to live in the Coast Guard Tree.  You're welcome rail: good luck.

Railey II.  Railey I took up residence on the island for ~1 week last September.

September 14th eBird
September 15th eBird

SEFI: 95
SCI:   94

A Pleasure Trip to The Farallones

12-13 September 2015

Another multi-pad, dominated by furred things for lack of feathers. My days grow short but I remain busy with non-blogging.  I apologize to you all: I have not forgotten.

Weather has not smiled kindly upon us: the birds aren't here. September remains in a veritable avian-drought. Fog and strong winds have kept most birds from finding our small and insufficient refuge. Siren-songs from Mastwell and Rockly are belched to no avail. Our near-constant Sulid companions remain a small bright light in this shadowy world as we anxiously await the flood. Will the sparkling hordes arrive before Rob must take his leave?

I won't look like these guys on my return trip.  I just won't do it.

Don Mastwell loves Zalophus, especially this one (Steve). This portrait was commissioned by Don to illustrate his love for the California Sea Lion.

Fact of the day: Northern Elephant Seals are punishingly adorable.

Martin Sheen? Hippo? Wet Elephant Seal.

SCI:   89
SEFI: 86

This list is no way to win a war:
September 12th eBird checklist

At least this one's a bit better:
September 13th eBird checklist

It Takes Noctuid to Tango

11 Sep 2015

On this day I have a new niece or nephew. It is impossible to know which, but I think it's a niece. My sister is wise to hide this from me. I can't know until I bring her a herring, a truffle, and a rainbow roll.

The 11th of September had few birds. More birds than nieces/nephews, but not by much.

In their stead, here is the large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba), a widespread Palearctic species that was introduced to North America in the 1980s and has rapidly colonized the continent. This character (in part) was featured on TPAD last year.

Large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba)

Keeping up the babe theme, here are two Pelagic Cormorant chicks.  This cliff ledge is typical nesting habitat of this species. Look at that neck-fluff.

The Crushed Vacuum

10 Sep 2015

Another day dogged by fog, the tenth was.  Birds remain slow.  Weather remains less'n ideal.

 “They walked out in the gray light and stood and saw for a brief moment the absolute truth of the world. The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth. Darkness implacable. The blind dogs of the sun in their running. The crushing black vacuum of the universe. And somewhere two birders trembling... Borrowed time and borrowed world and borrowed binoculars with which to sorrow it.”  

     --Cormac McCarthy, in part

My days on SEFI grow short (for this season) whilst a companion's days grow long--Don Mastwell's 1st island birthday will take place this Sunday night, his 365th spent on the island.  This is exciting, no?

Until then, here are some birds:

Northern Harriers (and other raptors) frequently fly in from the south (as this one did). Why?  No one knows.

This is a Whimbrel.  Any questions?

CURRENT TALLY:

SCI:   89
SEFI: 86

Ughhhhh

On Dasher &c.

9 Sep 2015

  Our eBird checklist might be too embarrassing to share so I'll sharen't.  I added (finally?) "subscribe" gadgets (look over there-->): I wouldn't but you're already here so something must be wrong.  Just roll with it.

  The Lead of Stahl has lessened but remains dense.  Weather forecasts have been difficult to assess, and migration activity on the island remains pitiful. At least we have each other. And an occasional bug. And harbor seals. Witness:

One of two Blue Dashers (Pachydiplax longipennis) who dropped by Twitville for a one-day visit, delighting all observers (not a common creature here).  They are a dainty and most attractive dragonfly.

Need I caption this photograph?  No, I needn't.

√144PAD

2-7 September

  I'm cheating and posting six days in one--a 12PAD.  It's never been done.  What might happen? We simply can't know.  I've fallen behind and this is the way things must be.

  Birds have been painfully slow but we've had plenty to do with shark watch (one seriously injured elephant seal is our only indication thus far of great white customers), whale surveys, pinniped surveys, shorebirds, gulls, sea-watch... etc. Winds looked real good for lots of bird movement this week but suddenly look not so good.  If you see any migrants please tell them we have many flies and a large forest within which they may live.  Please do high overcast dance.  Thank you.

  Current battle score:
SEFI: 73
SCI:   72

Banding a Cassin's Auklet--this little guy should have fledged by now and should be on its way to eating the same food as Blue Whales (and occasionally being incidental Blue Whale food).

This is a California Gull.

Striped shore crab (Pachygrapsus crassipes) in Jewel Cave

Aulon Islets at sunset: Sugarloaf is on the right and is the favored haunt of The Gannet and other Sulid folk (at present totalling eleven Brown and one Blue-footed Boobies)

Oh! the channel walls are high and steep!

And the channel waves are wild and deep,

And on, and on, they madly sweep,

By Aulone Isle of the Farallones!

On Aulone Isle, Milton S. Ray, late 1800s/early 1900s

The time we caught a MacGillavray's Warbler.

Dragonflies are difficult to remove from nets.  This dragon lady didn't make it.

Peregrines like to eat stuff--sometimes they eat Western Gulls (it didn't eat this Western Gull)

Cuteness incarnate.  This photograph is dedicated to Felonious Jive.

Getting late--this was one of the last Pigeon Guillemots still bringing food to chick(s)--they have mostly fledged or failed at this point and the island Alcid show has plummeted.

Paleo-portrait of Don Mastwell (L) who arrived on Saturday to reinforce us.  Yesterday he found a Mourning Dove.

"The gulls are the virtual rulers of birddom on the Farallones, and that they live on the best the islands afford, those long-suffering subjects, the murres, cormorants, and rabbits, will testify."

Western Gull species account, page 82 of The Farallones The Painted World and Other Poems of California, by Milton S. Ray

Western Gull?  Western Gull.

"And they, too, howl like dogs in the freezing storm,

turning and turning from it as if they thought

one naked side could keep the other warm."

Inferno, 3rd Circle

The Zalophus invasion continues.  They own the terrace.