Wrapping up another season….

It’s been a while since we’ve updated the blog, and plenty has happened in that time. Many chicks from this past summer have fledged, leaving their nests, burrows and modules behind. Although this happens every year, nonetheless it is special occasion every season.  I admit to getting warm,  fuzzy feelings each time I find myself watching a Western Gull chick hopping up and down as they practice flying, or searching for a fully-feathered Rhinoceros Auklet chick on the island and finding that it left the burrow or module. Eventually the feelings wane, though, and I find its time for the Fall Restoration season!

       Now that the central terrace of the island is more stabilized, we’ve shifted our focus towards nurturing a more mature and diverse native plant community there.  The majority of transplants this year were American Dunegrass (Leymus molis) and Salt Grass (Disticulis spicata), which are proven erosion stabilizers and love the sandy, salty conditions of California Coastal Strand. We also included dozens of seedlings of Lizardtail (Eriophyllum staechadifolium), Beach Bur (Ambrosia chamissonis), Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) and more! In addition to the transplants, we also dispersed locally-collected native seeds around the island.

Some areas of the island needed very little botanical help from us. The American Dunegrass has completely taken off where we planted it last year, providing cover for birds and disguising burrow openings from predators. We’re going to have to play a tricky game of hide and seek next year to find all our Rhinoceros Auklet modules and burrows!

We also put some finishing touches on the Habitat Ridge this fall, ensuring that it is high enough to protect species on both sides of the ridge. To accomplish this, we transported locally harvested eucalyptus logs and used a system of wooden dowels to build up the areas of high animal pressure to ensure the Ridge’s longevity.

At the end of the season, not only the researchers and seabirds seem pleased with the new additions to Año Nuevo Island. This little Black Phoebe also appeared to be enjoying the ongoing restoration efforts along with the roosting Western Gulls.

As always, we’re eternally grateful to all our ongoing partners and volunteers in this project. Their willingness to climb into freezing wet wetsuits and dedicate many, many hours and hard labor make this seabird conservation project possible.

We'll see you next season!