10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Because, let’s face it, when you get off that plane and look at those severe volcanic landscapes and then find yourself face to face with one of the islands’ four mockingbird species, you’re not going to think, “Oh, look, lava and a mockingbird.” The updating of the text is very important.

2006 268

2006 Tortoises Sea Lions Sea Turtles 268

10,000 Birds

JULY 7, 2015

But, I did take many photos, and used the book, in spurts during the trip and more closely afterward, to identify three seabird species, two expected (Sooty and Black-vented Shearwaters) and one a surprise. It does not include near-shore, coastal species, like Brown Pelican, Elegant Tern, and Harbor Seal.

Dolphins 162

Dolphins Whales Whaling Porpoises 162

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

And besides, it’s nice to see something that isn’t the same 12 (now 13) species of seabird (plus Molly Meep Meep, a Black Brant ) There may not be as many as in October, but they are there, and they can be cool. Under the surface we could sea Oceanic Sunfish and Blue Sharks. And there where whales.

Whales 157

Whales Whaling Sharks Bats 157

10,000 Birds

APRIL 25, 2013

The scenery is stunning…expansive, rolling grasslands, towering vertical cliffs, cozy canyons filled with oaks, quiet coves where sea lions and cormorants mingle over the kelp forests. Of course, the island has a lot more to offer besides this jay. Many raptors are not afraid to make the ocean crossing to the Channel Islands.

California 174

California Birds Sea Lions Whales 174

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

At sea there are also New Zealand Sea Lions and Southern Right Whales. The sanctuary has a population of Little Spotted Kiwi, as well as a range of other rare species such as Takahe , Stichbirds , New Zealand Falcons , Brown Teal and Red-crowned Parakeets.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Penguins Sanctuary Birds 157

10,000 Birds

MAY 14, 2014

And then there are the species that came here from New Zealand’s Subantarctic possessions, specifically the Auckland Islands (a largish windswept archipelago south of New Zealand). Now it seems that a similar story might have happened with the (sadly endangered itself) New Zealand Sea Lion.

New Zealand 164

New Zealand Penguins Sea Lions Lions 164

4 The Love Of Animals

MARCH 17, 2011

Sea lion mothers wail when watching their babies being eaten by killer whales. Stories about animals rescuing members of their own and other species, including humans, abound. They show how individuals of different species display compassion and empathy for those in need.

Emotional 100

Emotional Animal Whales Whaling 100

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Eighteen-hour trips are the rule and only about four or five hours are spent in the prime area to see the species most birders are hoping to see. This explains why I did not see any Craveri’s Murrelets , a missed lifer, and didn’t get as good a look or as good a photo as I would have wanted of some other species.

Whales 116

Whales Whaling Albatross Dolphins 116