On Friday, July 22 Don Desjardin and I took the Island Packers Ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Anyone doing an ABA Big Year must make this trip to see the Island Scrub-Jay. There endemic to the Channel Islands. It was an enjoyable and successful trip. Elegant Terns were roosting on the breakwall of Ventura Harbor. We quickly located jays and, with the help of a keen eared Pennislyvania couple, located Pacific-slope Flycatchers, which is an endemic subspecies.
Island Scrub-Jay on Santa Cruz Island (Photo by John Vanderpoel)
Pacific-slope Flycatcher on Santa Cruz Island (Photo by John Vanderpoel)
That left almost three hours to root around and search for the Island Fox and any herp we could come across. Missed the fox, but did manage to find Pacific Chorus Frogs and Southern Alligator Lizard!
Southern Alligator Lizard on Santa Cruz Island (Photo by John Vanderpoel)
Pacific Chorus Frog on Santa Cruz Island (Photo by John Vanderpoel)
On the return boat trip we added Pink-footed Shearwater to my year-list.
We need more info on the pelagic birds! Is that your last chance for a sweep on the foxes of North America?