Google Earth weather shows another band of clouds moving across Manitoba and Island Girl put the brakes on for another day yesterday.
She moved minimally, covering only 29 km (18 miles) towards Hudson Bay.
Weather impacted migration.... cool.
30 May, 2010
29 May, 2010
NE Into the Tundra
Island Girl resumed her migration yesterday, flying 154 km (96 miles) to the northeast towards Hudson Bay. GE weather shows clearing in the area.
Her transmitter voltage has returned to normal and we are again receiving solid signals.
Last night, she roosted in an area of extensive lakes and ponds typical of this region in northern Manitoba. Looks like she slept on a ridge overlooking the wilderness of water that surrounds her and it appears to be a good vantage point for hunting. She was about 45 km (28 miles) south of the Nunavut border at this point.
Her bearing has finally turned to the NE and she is currently heading for Hudson Bay. I would speculate that she is likely to fly directly across the frozen bay en route home to Baffin Island but let's see what she decides to do.
Her transmitter voltage has returned to normal and we are again receiving solid signals.
Last night, she roosted in an area of extensive lakes and ponds typical of this region in northern Manitoba. Looks like she slept on a ridge overlooking the wilderness of water that surrounds her and it appears to be a good vantage point for hunting. She was about 45 km (28 miles) south of the Nunavut border at this point.
Her bearing has finally turned to the NE and she is currently heading for Hudson Bay. I would speculate that she is likely to fly directly across the frozen bay en route home to Baffin Island but let's see what she decides to do.
28 May, 2010
Five Days On Hold in the Arctic.....
Island Girl has spent the last five days in the same general area of Manitoba, apparently waiting out the storm.
She hasn't moved far but she is moving and that is a good sign that she is OK.
Don reports that her battery voltage is diminishing, indicating that it is not being charged like normal.
We know that this situation is often caused by an absence of sunlight hitting her solar cell, so it is likely that she is in a heavily clouded area.
Incidentally, this type of "migratory delay" in the arctic was unknown in peregrines until the advent of satellite transmitters, so we are all learning about this together at this time.
I sort of envision it as her waiting for the door to open.....
She hasn't moved far but she is moving and that is a good sign that she is OK.
Don reports that her battery voltage is diminishing, indicating that it is not being charged like normal.
We know that this situation is often caused by an absence of sunlight hitting her solar cell, so it is likely that she is in a heavily clouded area.
Incidentally, this type of "migratory delay" in the arctic was unknown in peregrines until the advent of satellite transmitters, so we are all learning about this together at this time.
I sort of envision it as her waiting for the door to open.....
26 May, 2010
Island Girl Stays Put
No apparent migratory movement from Island Girl yesterday.
Hopefully this means she has found a nice perch that she likes while waiting for things to warm up and melt off.
Tomorrow should tell us more....
Hopefully this means she has found a nice perch that she likes while waiting for things to warm up and melt off.
Tomorrow should tell us more....
25 May, 2010
Severe Weather Slows the Migration
Island Girl had another pause in her travels to the north yesterday. She initially backtracked to the south and then returned north, roosting about 10 km from her previous nights position.
We had speculated that her behavior might be related to the weather and today I was able to confirm that hypothesis.
I called Michael Goodyear, Executive Director of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill, Manitoba. I had met him while staying there a few years back during our attempted chase of the satellite-tagged falcon, Linda.
I queried him about the weather, as he is located approximately 437 km (271 miles) to the east of Island Girl. Based on the GE weather maps, they are experiencing the same weather system that is affecting the tagged falcon.
He related that a weather front was moving though from the west and that they had experienced 40-60 km per hour winds with heavy, wet snow and sleet. At present, there is heavy fog and freezing rain in the area. And Hudson Bay is still frozen over.....
So it is very likely that this system impacted Island Girl as well and halted her movements to the north.
This climate is, of course, far different from what she has experienced on her way north.
She has left the temperate, relatively cool coast of the Pacific Ocean at Putu, crossed the driest, sunniest desert in the world, flown through the high Andes at 13,000', traversed the entire tropical region of Central America, experienced more high desert in Mexico, rocketed across the Great Plains of the US, encountered the boreal forest of Canada and has now arrived at the edge of the tundra.
And these will certainly be the coldest and possibly the most stressful conditions that she will experience during her life. Let's hope that her fat reserves are at a maximum.
I'd like to thank Michael for his kind cooperation and mention that their facility near Churchill is one of the most amazing and fascinating field stations that I have ever seen. They are performing an extremely useful function for science of all types and if you ever get a chance to go to Churchill, make sure that you visit them and support their extremely important efforts.
We had speculated that her behavior might be related to the weather and today I was able to confirm that hypothesis.
I called Michael Goodyear, Executive Director of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill, Manitoba. I had met him while staying there a few years back during our attempted chase of the satellite-tagged falcon, Linda.
I queried him about the weather, as he is located approximately 437 km (271 miles) to the east of Island Girl. Based on the GE weather maps, they are experiencing the same weather system that is affecting the tagged falcon.
He related that a weather front was moving though from the west and that they had experienced 40-60 km per hour winds with heavy, wet snow and sleet. At present, there is heavy fog and freezing rain in the area. And Hudson Bay is still frozen over.....
So it is very likely that this system impacted Island Girl as well and halted her movements to the north.
This climate is, of course, far different from what she has experienced on her way north.
She has left the temperate, relatively cool coast of the Pacific Ocean at Putu, crossed the driest, sunniest desert in the world, flown through the high Andes at 13,000', traversed the entire tropical region of Central America, experienced more high desert in Mexico, rocketed across the Great Plains of the US, encountered the boreal forest of Canada and has now arrived at the edge of the tundra.
And these will certainly be the coldest and possibly the most stressful conditions that she will experience during her life. Let's hope that her fat reserves are at a maximum.
I'd like to thank Michael for his kind cooperation and mention that their facility near Churchill is one of the most amazing and fascinating field stations that I have ever seen. They are performing an extremely useful function for science of all types and if you ever get a chance to go to Churchill, make sure that you visit them and support their extremely important efforts.
24 May, 2010
Putting the Brakes On
Island Girl remained in the same general area on Sunday and actually moved to the south 19 km (12 miles) to roost at 1,227' elevation.
Her delay is likely being caused by local environmental conditions, perhaps bad weather or snow. Whatever the cause, she is definitely pausing in her migration north.
GE Weather shows a thick band of clouds passing over her area yesterday, which might be the cause. Without being there, it is obviously difficult to assign a definite reason for her hesitation.
Her delay is likely being caused by local environmental conditions, perhaps bad weather or snow. Whatever the cause, she is definitely pausing in her migration north.
GE Weather shows a thick band of clouds passing over her area yesterday, which might be the cause. Without being there, it is obviously difficult to assign a definite reason for her hesitation.
23 May, 2010
A Short Hop to the NNE on Saturday
On her 40th day of migration, Island Girl flew a relatively short distance, suggesting that she may be encountering snow at her current position. That would definitely slow her down.
She covered only 107 km (66.8 miles) and is now 392 km (244 miles) west of Churchill and almost at the same latitude (58.6 degrees N).
She put in for the night at Kelso Lake, west of the Sand Lakes Provincial Park in Manitoba. She is approaching the border with Nunavut, only 154 km (96 miles) to the north of her roost site.
Her elevation last night was 1,194'. Although the detail in GE is poor, it appears that she slept within 250' of both lakeshores and perhaps on the ground but we can't be certain.
She covered only 107 km (66.8 miles) and is now 392 km (244 miles) west of Churchill and almost at the same latitude (58.6 degrees N).
She put in for the night at Kelso Lake, west of the Sand Lakes Provincial Park in Manitoba. She is approaching the border with Nunavut, only 154 km (96 miles) to the north of her roost site.
Her elevation last night was 1,194'. Although the detail in GE is poor, it appears that she slept within 250' of both lakeshores and perhaps on the ground but we can't be certain.
22 May, 2010
Still Heading North As She Slips Into Manitoba
Island Girl continued to track almost due north yesterday (Day 39) as she barely crossed over the border into Manitoba. She covered a solid 432 km (268 miles) for the day and stopped off near the edge of Reindeer Lake.
She roosted on a low ridge (elevation 1,142') overlooking two lakes, a perfect place for hunting migrant passerines over the water (or is there still ice at this time?).
This area is near the boreal forest treeline and is extremely wet with dozens and dozens of lakes, ponds and streams criss-crossing the region. So she is now approaching the arctic tundra biome. What a contrast to the Atacama Desert!
She slept at 57.7 degrees North latitude, only one degree south of Churchill (58.7 N) but still 446 km (277 miles) to the west of that port on Hudson Bay.
And the Arctic Circle is now only 938 km (600 miles) to her north.
So the obvious questions still remain at this point in her long 12,429 km (7,724 miles) migration thus far.
Will she return to the same area as last year to breed? And if so, when will she turn sharply to the NE?
She roosted on a low ridge (elevation 1,142') overlooking two lakes, a perfect place for hunting migrant passerines over the water (or is there still ice at this time?).
This area is near the boreal forest treeline and is extremely wet with dozens and dozens of lakes, ponds and streams criss-crossing the region. So she is now approaching the arctic tundra biome. What a contrast to the Atacama Desert!
She slept at 57.7 degrees North latitude, only one degree south of Churchill (58.7 N) but still 446 km (277 miles) to the west of that port on Hudson Bay.
And the Arctic Circle is now only 938 km (600 miles) to her north.
So the obvious questions still remain at this point in her long 12,429 km (7,724 miles) migration thus far.
Will she return to the same area as last year to breed? And if so, when will she turn sharply to the NE?
21 May, 2010
Island Girl in East Central Saskatchewan
On Thursday, Day 38, Island Girl kept to a northerly heading on her way through Saskatchewan. She travelled a relatively short distance of 304 km (189 miles) for the day and was still paralleling the Manitoba border.
She roosted in coniferous forest on Pine Island and very near the shoreline of Cumberland Lake, a relatively large body of water and part of the headwaters of the Saskatchewan River. Her elevation was 873' and she slept quite near a dirt road.
Looking at Google Earth, I found that the small Cree Nation town of Cumberland House was within two miles of her roost site. So I went online, got the number of the tribal office and called them up to let them know about the project.
I spoke with Jennifer, who kindly gave me the number of the school and a teacher there. Jennifer very patiently listened to the story of Island Girl and says she will put it on everyones Face Book page in the town to share the story.
I next called Teresa, the teacher, but she was out at the time, probably teaching. However, I was lucky enough to get her son, Ray, 16, who politely took all of the information for his mom. So hopefully, the school kids of Cumberland Lake will learn about the exploits of this remarkable bird.
I was in this general area chasing Seven on his southbound migration a couple of years ago. He went by the town of Flin Flon 93 km (58 miles) to the north.
This entire area is wilderness with lakes, streams and rolling hills of conifers and birch typical of the southern boreal forest.
And Don McCall notes that....
"Last year, she reached this latitude on 26 May, at which time she was about 300 km east of her present location, so she really isn't that far off last years's route (in time or distance)."
She roosted in coniferous forest on Pine Island and very near the shoreline of Cumberland Lake, a relatively large body of water and part of the headwaters of the Saskatchewan River. Her elevation was 873' and she slept quite near a dirt road.
Looking at Google Earth, I found that the small Cree Nation town of Cumberland House was within two miles of her roost site. So I went online, got the number of the tribal office and called them up to let them know about the project.
I spoke with Jennifer, who kindly gave me the number of the school and a teacher there. Jennifer very patiently listened to the story of Island Girl and says she will put it on everyones Face Book page in the town to share the story.
I next called Teresa, the teacher, but she was out at the time, probably teaching. However, I was lucky enough to get her son, Ray, 16, who politely took all of the information for his mom. So hopefully, the school kids of Cumberland Lake will learn about the exploits of this remarkable bird.
I was in this general area chasing Seven on his southbound migration a couple of years ago. He went by the town of Flin Flon 93 km (58 miles) to the north.
This entire area is wilderness with lakes, streams and rolling hills of conifers and birch typical of the southern boreal forest.
And Don McCall notes that....
"Last year, she reached this latitude on 26 May, at which time she was about 300 km east of her present location, so she really isn't that far off last years's route (in time or distance)."
20 May, 2010
Island Girl Migrates Into Canada
On Wednesday, 19 March, her 37th day of migration, Island Girl crossed the North Dakota line into southeastern Saskatchewan. She ended her day about 259 km (161 miles) north of the US border.
She was flying hard and covered 560 km (348 miles), one of her longest single day distances this season. And she crossed the entire United States in only 4 and a half days!
As expected, she began to curve to the NE, a heading that will eventually take her towards Hudson Bay. If she returns to her eyrie from last year (on Baffin Island), as tundra peregrines are known to do, she will increase her slant each day.
She roosted in a large woodlot in an area of flat rolling hills and agricultural fields. I recall driving through here while chasing Seven and it is beautiful country. Her elevation was 2,o54'.
Her position was 106 km (66 miles) west of the Manitoba line.
She was flying hard and covered 560 km (348 miles), one of her longest single day distances this season. And she crossed the entire United States in only 4 and a half days!
As expected, she began to curve to the NE, a heading that will eventually take her towards Hudson Bay. If she returns to her eyrie from last year (on Baffin Island), as tundra peregrines are known to do, she will increase her slant each day.
She roosted in a large woodlot in an area of flat rolling hills and agricultural fields. I recall driving through here while chasing Seven and it is beautiful country. Her elevation was 2,o54'.
Her position was 106 km (66 miles) west of the Manitoba line.
19 May, 2010
Island Girl In Montana
Well, on Day 36 of her migration, Island Girl put in yet another really good day, migrating another 557 km (346 miles) on Tuesday. She crossed all of Wyoming and half of Montana and is now getting near the border with Canada. Pretty obvious that she is heading for home.
However, she is still maintaining a direct heading to the north. No dramatic veering NE as yet but we expect it at any time.
So far, she has covered 11,134 km (6919 miles) on her way north. It is likely that she will have broken 7,000 miles today.
She put in for the night between Plevna and Baker, Montana and was remarkably close to the junction of Highway 12 and Road 301. In fact, she was within 341' of the highway.
It would be really nice to know what she slept on there. I suspect it was a power pole but can't really be sure from looking at Google Earth. Is there anyone in Montana that lives close by who could check for us?
The roost was located at 2,920' elevation this time and was only about 29 km (18 miles) from the border with North Dakota.
On a final note, she was only 260 km (161 miles) from the home of SCPP team member, Tom Maechtle, near Sheridan, Wyoming and had no doubt passed by even closer during the day.
"Hi Tom".
However, she is still maintaining a direct heading to the north. No dramatic veering NE as yet but we expect it at any time.
So far, she has covered 11,134 km (6919 miles) on her way north. It is likely that she will have broken 7,000 miles today.
She put in for the night between Plevna and Baker, Montana and was remarkably close to the junction of Highway 12 and Road 301. In fact, she was within 341' of the highway.
It would be really nice to know what she slept on there. I suspect it was a power pole but can't really be sure from looking at Google Earth. Is there anyone in Montana that lives close by who could check for us?
The roost was located at 2,920' elevation this time and was only about 29 km (18 miles) from the border with North Dakota.
On a final note, she was only 260 km (161 miles) from the home of SCPP team member, Tom Maechtle, near Sheridan, Wyoming and had no doubt passed by even closer during the day.
"Hi Tom".
18 May, 2010
Island Girl in SE Wyoming After Crossing Colorado In A Day
Island Girl migrated another 531 km (330 miles) on Monday, leaving her roost in New Mexico, crossing all of Colorado and ending up in the SE corner of Wyoming. True to form, she is turning on the speed as she crosses the Great Plains en route north.
By 0900 local time, she had already covered 139 km (86 miles) and entered Colorado. By late afternoon, she was in NE Colorado and at midnight, she was roosting in SE Wyoming about 53 km (33 miles) west of the Nebraska state line.
She slept in a flat, open agricultural area (looked like fallow fields on GE but who knows what is there now). Her roost was over a mile high at 5,484'.
She was also only 53 km (33 miles) NE of Cheyenne, the state capitol, in Laramie County.
Island Girl is still maintaining a northerly heading, somewhat surprising at this later stage of her migration. We are expecting her to veer heavily to the NE and Baffin Island soon, perhaps when she nears the Canadian border.
Don McCall notes that she now 35 days into her migration and is averaging 304 km (189 miles) per day. Not too shabby.
By 0900 local time, she had already covered 139 km (86 miles) and entered Colorado. By late afternoon, she was in NE Colorado and at midnight, she was roosting in SE Wyoming about 53 km (33 miles) west of the Nebraska state line.
She slept in a flat, open agricultural area (looked like fallow fields on GE but who knows what is there now). Her roost was over a mile high at 5,484'.
She was also only 53 km (33 miles) NE of Cheyenne, the state capitol, in Laramie County.
Island Girl is still maintaining a northerly heading, somewhat surprising at this later stage of her migration. We are expecting her to veer heavily to the NE and Baffin Island soon, perhaps when she nears the Canadian border.
Don McCall notes that she now 35 days into her migration and is averaging 304 km (189 miles) per day. Not too shabby.
17 May, 2010
The Interception Effort
At 1:56 AM, Don McCall alerted Bryan Kimsey, a rancher and falconer living near Clayton, New Mexico, that Island Girl was roosting about 40 miles from his house. In fact, as luck would have it, the site is practically next to his ranch.
Bryan was out the door by 3 AM and arrived near the roost site before dawn. It is situated on an extinct shield volcano cone called Sierra Grande, and was located "on private land in a rugged area".
Bryan writes...
"We were at the spot well before light. I had the location in my GPS and drove around to get some angles. Decided the best spot was the highway, hoping to get the falcon against the sky. Saw several Ravens on the slope and 1 redtail (although numerous Pronghorns at the base) but did not see your falcon. The location was actually fairly high up on the slope and it would have been easy for her to go over our heads....It rained last night and this morning was cloudy. We thought she might very well be wet and drying off...".
He took some wonderful photos of the area and sent them on to us. I don't know if we can link to them on this site but will give it a try. Her site will be the first three pictures. The fourth is looking north from the base of the mountain.
http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains/Ranch%202010/?
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains/Ranch%202010/DSC0630.jpg
http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains?Ranch%202010/?action=view¤t=DSC06314.jpg
Hopefully these will come through and you can see where Island Girl spent her night in New Mexico.
We want to both acknowledge and thank Bryan for his extra 3 AM effort, obviously a reflection of a great love of falcons, which we all share.
Thanks Bryan.
Bryan was out the door by 3 AM and arrived near the roost site before dawn. It is situated on an extinct shield volcano cone called Sierra Grande, and was located "on private land in a rugged area".
Bryan writes...
"We were at the spot well before light. I had the location in my GPS and drove around to get some angles. Decided the best spot was the highway, hoping to get the falcon against the sky. Saw several Ravens on the slope and 1 redtail (although numerous Pronghorns at the base) but did not see your falcon. The location was actually fairly high up on the slope and it would have been easy for her to go over our heads....It rained last night and this morning was cloudy. We thought she might very well be wet and drying off...".
He took some wonderful photos of the area and sent them on to us. I don't know if we can link to them on this site but will give it a try. Her site will be the first three pictures. The fourth is looking north from the base of the mountain.
http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains/Ranch%202010/?
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains/Ranch%202010/DSC0630.jpg
http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/NM_HighPlains?Ranch%202010/?action=view¤t=DSC06314.jpg
Hopefully these will come through and you can see where Island Girl spent her night in New Mexico.
We want to both acknowledge and thank Bryan for his extra 3 AM effort, obviously a reflection of a great love of falcons, which we all share.
Thanks Bryan.
Island Girl Traverses New Mexico
On day 34, Sunday, Island Girl started to veer to the north as expected. She flew 490 km (304 miles), crossing nearly the entire state and paralleling the eastern border of New Mexico.
She finally stopped for the day in a unique area of volcanic cones and lava flows about 80 km (50 miles) WNW of Clayton, NM, and only 8 km (5 miles) south of the Colorado border. Some friends of the SCPP (including Bryan Kimsey, Juan De Marcken and Willard Heck) all live in New Mexico and we are working together in the hopes of intercepting Island Girl. It is a long shot but well worth the effort.
She slept on the side of an extinct volcano at 7,486' about 8 km (5 miles) ESE of Capulin.
She finally stopped for the day in a unique area of volcanic cones and lava flows about 80 km (50 miles) WNW of Clayton, NM, and only 8 km (5 miles) south of the Colorado border. Some friends of the SCPP (including Bryan Kimsey, Juan De Marcken and Willard Heck) all live in New Mexico and we are working together in the hopes of intercepting Island Girl. It is a long shot but well worth the effort.
She slept on the side of an extinct volcano at 7,486' about 8 km (5 miles) ESE of Capulin.
16 May, 2010
Island Girl Crosses Texas and Arrives in New Mexico
On Saturday, Island Girl flew across west Texas and entered into New Mexico. She flew 370 km (230 miles) for the day and kept to her NW bearing. She has maintained this same general heading since leaving the Isthmus of Tehuantepec several days ago. The consistency on this leg of her journey is remarkable.
She ended her day on Saturday by rooting in the Seven Rivers Hills in southeastern New Mexico, only 26 km (16 miles) WNW of the city of Carlsbad. This is also near both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Guadelupe Mountains National Park. You can see the terrain in this area displayed in photographs on GE.
She slept on a short cliff face above a dry arroyo at 3,877 '. Definite desert with sparse vegetation and open ground. There area is honeycombed with a road system interspersed with somewhat circular clearings. I am assuming these are oil wells.
Last night, Island Girl was located at 104 degrees west longitude in New Mexico. In 2009, she apparently nested on Baffin Island at approximately 68 degrees west longitude, a difference of 36 degrees. If she is going to return to the same area to breed, as peregrines as known to do, she will have to start veering to the east soon.
If not, she will also be entering into the heart of the Rockies and leaving the open ground of the Great Plains. I'd bet on a course change towards Denver soon.
She ended her day on Saturday by rooting in the Seven Rivers Hills in southeastern New Mexico, only 26 km (16 miles) WNW of the city of Carlsbad. This is also near both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Guadelupe Mountains National Park. You can see the terrain in this area displayed in photographs on GE.
She slept on a short cliff face above a dry arroyo at 3,877 '. Definite desert with sparse vegetation and open ground. There area is honeycombed with a road system interspersed with somewhat circular clearings. I am assuming these are oil wells.
Last night, Island Girl was located at 104 degrees west longitude in New Mexico. In 2009, she apparently nested on Baffin Island at approximately 68 degrees west longitude, a difference of 36 degrees. If she is going to return to the same area to breed, as peregrines as known to do, she will have to start veering to the east soon.
If not, she will also be entering into the heart of the Rockies and leaving the open ground of the Great Plains. I'd bet on a course change towards Denver soon.
Late Reception of Satellite Signal as Island Girl Approaches Texas
On certain days, the satellite signals are delayed and we don't get them until late in the day. Yesterday was such a day.
So, here is a late update for Friday, Day 32. Island Girl continued flying NW towards the US and really put on some speed. She migrated 614 km (382 miles) across the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and put in for the night only 5 km (3 miles) from the US-Mexico border near the Pecos River in SW Texas.
She slept on a cliff at 3,595' among some gorgeous terrain, lots of canyons, high walls and mesas and definitely worth a look on Google Earth. A truly beautiful site!
We had expected her to veer to the north towards Baffin Island but once again, she has her own agenda.
So, here is a late update for Friday, Day 32. Island Girl continued flying NW towards the US and really put on some speed. She migrated 614 km (382 miles) across the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and put in for the night only 5 km (3 miles) from the US-Mexico border near the Pecos River in SW Texas.
She slept on a cliff at 3,595' among some gorgeous terrain, lots of canyons, high walls and mesas and definitely worth a look on Google Earth. A truly beautiful site!
We had expected her to veer to the north towards Baffin Island but once again, she has her own agenda.
14 May, 2010
Island Girl Crosses Tropic of Cancer; Now Approaching US
Island Girl resumed her migration in earnest yesterday, flying a solid 585 km (364 miles) on a NNW heading and bypassing both Tampico and Ciudad Victoria. In the process, she left the tropics and entered into the temperate region of the northern hemisphere.
Last night, her roost site in NE Mexico was at the exact same latitude as Key West, Florida (24.557 degrees North), the southernmost point in the "conterminous" United States.
She was also only 227 km (141 miles) from the Rio Grande River, so she should arrive in the US sometime today, most likely somewhere in Texas.
At present, Island Girl is migrating through the high-elevation eastern Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, and not along the more subtropical coastal plain as most of our other tagged peregrines have done.
She is also trending slightly more north now, presumably in preparation for her run through the Great Plains.
She slept high in the xeric desert mountains at 7,792' in elevation, choosing another ridgeline with sparse vegetation. It appears that this site is similar to the northern Atacama Desert that she left two weeks ago. It was a remote wilderness site, far from any human activity.
Last night, her roost site in NE Mexico was at the exact same latitude as Key West, Florida (24.557 degrees North), the southernmost point in the "conterminous" United States.
She was also only 227 km (141 miles) from the Rio Grande River, so she should arrive in the US sometime today, most likely somewhere in Texas.
At present, Island Girl is migrating through the high-elevation eastern Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, and not along the more subtropical coastal plain as most of our other tagged peregrines have done.
She is also trending slightly more north now, presumably in preparation for her run through the Great Plains.
She slept high in the xeric desert mountains at 7,792' in elevation, choosing another ridgeline with sparse vegetation. It appears that this site is similar to the northern Atacama Desert that she left two weeks ago. It was a remote wilderness site, far from any human activity.
13 May, 2010
Taking the Highland Route in Mexico
These peregrines are full of surprises.
Island Girl "kicked into high gear" on Wednesday as expected, but then she took a new and unexpected route to the NW that we haven't seen before.
After initially completing her crossing through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, she covered 438 km (272 miles) on her journey back to the Arctic.
However, instead of flying directly over to the Gulf coast as we expected, she appears to have stayed on her NW heading and followed the foothills of the mountains, thereby bypassing Veracruz completely. She steadily gained elevation and reached the edge of the high plateau of central Mexico. If we simplistically connect her satellite dots, it looks like she overflew the cities of San Juan Batista, Cordoba and then went inland before reaching Jalapa, well known to all Veracruz hawkwatchers.
She roosted in trees near the summit of a well-forested mountain at 8,708'. She was about 145 km (90 miles) east of Mexico City and perhaps 100 km inland from the coast.
This is an area of high relief with some agricultural terracing on the lower slopes and two deep river valleys. Her location was near a town called Tetela De Ocampo.
Island Girl "kicked into high gear" on Wednesday as expected, but then she took a new and unexpected route to the NW that we haven't seen before.
After initially completing her crossing through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, she covered 438 km (272 miles) on her journey back to the Arctic.
However, instead of flying directly over to the Gulf coast as we expected, she appears to have stayed on her NW heading and followed the foothills of the mountains, thereby bypassing Veracruz completely. She steadily gained elevation and reached the edge of the high plateau of central Mexico. If we simplistically connect her satellite dots, it looks like she overflew the cities of San Juan Batista, Cordoba and then went inland before reaching Jalapa, well known to all Veracruz hawkwatchers.
She roosted in trees near the summit of a well-forested mountain at 8,708'. She was about 145 km (90 miles) east of Mexico City and perhaps 100 km inland from the coast.
This is an area of high relief with some agricultural terracing on the lower slopes and two deep river valleys. Her location was near a town called Tetela De Ocampo.
12 May, 2010
Island Girl Still Moving Slowly Towards The Gulf
On her 29th day of migration, Island Girl moved further north through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, flying another 85 km (53 miles) for the day. For some reason, she is taking her own sweet time passing through this area, a behavior we have seen among the migrant peregrines several times before. So this type of activity is not unusual.
She remains in the state of Oaxaca but is still heading towards the Gulf, likely to be her next destination. She has travelled 7,549 km (4,691 miles) thus far on her northbound migration.
Last night, she slept at an elevation of 673' on a low hill 3.2 km (2 miles) SW of the town of Matias Romero and just off the main road from the Gulf to the Pacific. Looks like she selected a tree on the edge of an old powerline cut. GE also shows what looks like a small pond near her roost.
She should kick into high gear soon. Remember that she is a high Arctic nester (Baffin Island) and there is no immediate rush to get back to her nest prior to the snows melting. The goal (not consciously of course) is to arrive neither too early nor too late in the breeding season. And the farther north she goes, the later spring arrives.
As an example, here in Washington State at latitude 48 degrees north, we have young peregrines in the eyries (nests) that are currently two weeks old. In fact, the eggs were laid here in late March, prior to Island Girl departing from Chile.
So the higher you go in latitude, the later the breeding season for peregrines. Therefore, Island Girl is in no huge rush as yet.....
She remains in the state of Oaxaca but is still heading towards the Gulf, likely to be her next destination. She has travelled 7,549 km (4,691 miles) thus far on her northbound migration.
Last night, she slept at an elevation of 673' on a low hill 3.2 km (2 miles) SW of the town of Matias Romero and just off the main road from the Gulf to the Pacific. Looks like she selected a tree on the edge of an old powerline cut. GE also shows what looks like a small pond near her roost.
She should kick into high gear soon. Remember that she is a high Arctic nester (Baffin Island) and there is no immediate rush to get back to her nest prior to the snows melting. The goal (not consciously of course) is to arrive neither too early nor too late in the breeding season. And the farther north she goes, the later spring arrives.
As an example, here in Washington State at latitude 48 degrees north, we have young peregrines in the eyries (nests) that are currently two weeks old. In fact, the eggs were laid here in late March, prior to Island Girl departing from Chile.
So the higher you go in latitude, the later the breeding season for peregrines. Therefore, Island Girl is in no huge rush as yet.....
11 May, 2010
A Day Off for Island Girl
Island Girl remained near the same location all day yesterday and did not move any substantial distances. I'd love to know what she was doing all day.
She roosted on the same mountain at about 655' in elevation and only 3 km from her roost the night before.
Resting up? Fattening up? Eating parrots? Who knows?
We still expect that she will cross the pass soon and head towards the Gulf.
She roosted on the same mountain at about 655' in elevation and only 3 km from her roost the night before.
Resting up? Fattening up? Eating parrots? Who knows?
We still expect that she will cross the pass soon and head towards the Gulf.
10 May, 2010
Island Girl Aiming for the Gulf
On Sunday, Island Girl remained on the Pacific coast for one more day. The satellite signals show that she spent time in the vast salt-water bay just west of her last position on Saturday. It is very likely that she hunted there as it is ideal habitat for waterbirds of all types.
She moved only 108 km (67 miles) for the day but sometime in the late afternoon turned north towards the Gulf and flew inland to a low range of hills and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. She is now in the state of Oaxaca and was about 5.6 km (3.5 miles) SE of the town of Reforma Del Pineda.
Incidentally, Don writes that "Tehuantepec" translates into "Jaguar Hill". Very cool.
Island Girl roosted in an area of broken forest and agricultural fields at only 167' elevation. It appears that she slept in a tree directly above a dirt road. She is now poised to jump north to the Gulf of Mexico. Let's see if she actually does what we predict (for a change!).
She moved only 108 km (67 miles) for the day but sometime in the late afternoon turned north towards the Gulf and flew inland to a low range of hills and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. She is now in the state of Oaxaca and was about 5.6 km (3.5 miles) SE of the town of Reforma Del Pineda.
Incidentally, Don writes that "Tehuantepec" translates into "Jaguar Hill". Very cool.
Island Girl roosted in an area of broken forest and agricultural fields at only 167' elevation. It appears that she slept in a tree directly above a dirt road. She is now poised to jump north to the Gulf of Mexico. Let's see if she actually does what we predict (for a change!).
09 May, 2010
Island Girl Reaches Mexico
On Saturday, Island Girl continued NW, crossing the border into Mexico. She flew 241 km (150 miles) for the day.
She is still following the coastal foothills of the Pacific and is now approaching the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a break or low point in the central Sierra. This is a well known point of cross-over for fall migrant hawks of many species, including Broad-winged Hawks, Swainson's Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Obviously, it is also used during the northbound migration. The dominant local peak is Cerro Atravesado, over 2,200 meters in elevation. The "pass" is just north of this mountain.
Her current heading will take her towards Veracruz, 445 km (277 miles) to the NW.
She roosted in the forests of the coastal foothills on Cerro Bernal Visto at 924' elevation. She was just above the Pan-American Highway situated 1.3 km (.8 mile) below her, and once again, it appears that she could see vehicles driving along the road from her vantage point.
There are several blue box photos of this site on Google Earth. Pretty interesting peak.
She was about 15 km (9.5 miles) inland and not far from a salt-water bay to the west called La Joya.
Island Girl is migrating past the south end of a very long sandy beach (Playa Aguachil) with an extensive back bay called the Mar Muerto or Dead Sea. It looks like superb habitat for shorebirds and gulls. No doubt there are several peregrines wintering there.
She is still following the coastal foothills of the Pacific and is now approaching the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a break or low point in the central Sierra. This is a well known point of cross-over for fall migrant hawks of many species, including Broad-winged Hawks, Swainson's Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Obviously, it is also used during the northbound migration. The dominant local peak is Cerro Atravesado, over 2,200 meters in elevation. The "pass" is just north of this mountain.
Her current heading will take her towards Veracruz, 445 km (277 miles) to the NW.
She roosted in the forests of the coastal foothills on Cerro Bernal Visto at 924' elevation. She was just above the Pan-American Highway situated 1.3 km (.8 mile) below her, and once again, it appears that she could see vehicles driving along the road from her vantage point.
There are several blue box photos of this site on Google Earth. Pretty interesting peak.
She was about 15 km (9.5 miles) inland and not far from a salt-water bay to the west called La Joya.
Island Girl is migrating past the south end of a very long sandy beach (Playa Aguachil) with an extensive back bay called the Mar Muerto or Dead Sea. It looks like superb habitat for shorebirds and gulls. No doubt there are several peregrines wintering there.
08 May, 2010
On To Guatemala
After her record run through Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador, Island Girl slowed down a bit on Friday. She finished up her daily migration in Guatemala.
After leaving El Salvador in the morning, she continued migrating along the same NW heading and covered another 241 km (150 miles).
Based on the limited number of her satellite signals, she appears to be following the foothills and volcanos of Central America, staying both high in elevation and well inland from the coast.
Google Earth shows lots of earthquake epicenter symbols along this route, reminding me that she is still following the major Pacific coast subduction zone area. Not that earthquakes would be unusual for this bird!
She roosted on a heavily-vegetated ridgeline (2,447') above a steep cliff and the juncture of two rivers. Both emanate from major Guatelmalan volcanos, Volcan Chiquibal and Volcan Lacandon.
These rivers, upstream from the city of Coatepeque, have created steep-sided canyons with many vertical cliffs. This area looks like good breeding habitat for Orange-breasted Falcons (Falco deiroleucus), the rare and beautiful species of jungle falcon that inhabits certain areas of Central America, including the ruins of Tikal here in Guatemala. In fact, she was only 319 km (223 miles) from that location.
She should be approaching Mexico at this time, having roosted only 41 km (27 miles) from the border on Friday night.
If she follows our expectations, she will continue heading NW and cross the Gulf of Tehuantepec towards the Gulf of Mexico.
In the past, all of our tagged falcons that have followed the Pacific coastal route have crossed over in this area. So far, it seems to be one of the major and consistent "decision points" for our small sample of tagged migrant birds.
If she follows form, she could arrive at or near the Gulf Coast and perhaps Veracruz later today.
After leaving El Salvador in the morning, she continued migrating along the same NW heading and covered another 241 km (150 miles).
Based on the limited number of her satellite signals, she appears to be following the foothills and volcanos of Central America, staying both high in elevation and well inland from the coast.
Google Earth shows lots of earthquake epicenter symbols along this route, reminding me that she is still following the major Pacific coast subduction zone area. Not that earthquakes would be unusual for this bird!
She roosted on a heavily-vegetated ridgeline (2,447') above a steep cliff and the juncture of two rivers. Both emanate from major Guatelmalan volcanos, Volcan Chiquibal and Volcan Lacandon.
These rivers, upstream from the city of Coatepeque, have created steep-sided canyons with many vertical cliffs. This area looks like good breeding habitat for Orange-breasted Falcons (Falco deiroleucus), the rare and beautiful species of jungle falcon that inhabits certain areas of Central America, including the ruins of Tikal here in Guatemala. In fact, she was only 319 km (223 miles) from that location.
She should be approaching Mexico at this time, having roosted only 41 km (27 miles) from the border on Friday night.
If she follows our expectations, she will continue heading NW and cross the Gulf of Tehuantepec towards the Gulf of Mexico.
In the past, all of our tagged falcons that have followed the Pacific coastal route have crossed over in this area. So far, it seems to be one of the major and consistent "decision points" for our small sample of tagged migrant birds.
If she follows form, she could arrive at or near the Gulf Coast and perhaps Veracruz later today.
07 May, 2010
Island Girl Roosts in El Salvador
Island Girl continued to increase her miles on Thursday.
Early in the day, she flew out over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Nicaragua, then crossed the Gulf of Fonseca and entered into El Salvador. She flew 543 km (337 miles) for the day and nearly crossed that entire country (only 259 km or 160 miles long) but held up short for the night. I think that this may be our first tagged falcon to roost in El Salvador.
She slept in the highlands at 2,870' near the Guatemalan border only 8.7 km (5.4 miles) to the northwest. Her site was about 41 km (25 miles) inland from the coast and very near a major highway leading into the town of Chalchuapa.
Check out the crater of the Lago Coatepeque to her SE on Google Earth. Gorgeous lake!
Don McCall adds that over her entire 24 day migration thus far, she is averaging 286 km (178 miles) per day.
Early in the day, she flew out over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Nicaragua, then crossed the Gulf of Fonseca and entered into El Salvador. She flew 543 km (337 miles) for the day and nearly crossed that entire country (only 259 km or 160 miles long) but held up short for the night. I think that this may be our first tagged falcon to roost in El Salvador.
She slept in the highlands at 2,870' near the Guatemalan border only 8.7 km (5.4 miles) to the northwest. Her site was about 41 km (25 miles) inland from the coast and very near a major highway leading into the town of Chalchuapa.
Check out the crater of the Lago Coatepeque to her SE on Google Earth. Gorgeous lake!
Don McCall adds that over her entire 24 day migration thus far, she is averaging 286 km (178 miles) per day.
06 May, 2010
Remarkable Wednesday For Island Girl
Island Girl had another one of those stunning days yesterday. She did something that no one expected at this stage of her migration and surprised us all by her movements.
After roosting the previous night in the mountains of central Panama, she launched WNW over the Caribbean Sea. By approximately noon, she was flying 121 km (75 miles) from land at 119 kph (74 MPH)! She apparently had a strong tail wind to be moving that fast.
She continued WNW and overflew all of Costa Rica before settling in for the night in Nicaragua on the main island, Isla Ometepe, in Lago Nicaragua. This was a remarkable jump. She covered 714 km (443 miles) for the day, which may be a record for a single day in Latin America.
She roosted in a row of trees in an area of agricultural fields on the SE corner of the island and below Volcan Maderas. She was 23 km (14 miles) from the shore of the mainland and the Pan-American Highway. I vividly recall having stopped along the road here and looked out at this volcanic island in this enormous lake with its unique fresh-water sharks.
Her roost tree was only about 142 m (155 yards) from the lakeshore and remarkably only about 210' from a dwelling.
As Don McCall noted, it looks like she will have flown across the Pacific Ocean to Panama, across the Caribbean to Nicaragua and likely out over the Pacific again on Thursday, all within 48 hours.
After roosting the previous night in the mountains of central Panama, she launched WNW over the Caribbean Sea. By approximately noon, she was flying 121 km (75 miles) from land at 119 kph (74 MPH)! She apparently had a strong tail wind to be moving that fast.
She continued WNW and overflew all of Costa Rica before settling in for the night in Nicaragua on the main island, Isla Ometepe, in Lago Nicaragua. This was a remarkable jump. She covered 714 km (443 miles) for the day, which may be a record for a single day in Latin America.
She roosted in a row of trees in an area of agricultural fields on the SE corner of the island and below Volcan Maderas. She was 23 km (14 miles) from the shore of the mainland and the Pan-American Highway. I vividly recall having stopped along the road here and looked out at this volcanic island in this enormous lake with its unique fresh-water sharks.
Her roost tree was only about 142 m (155 yards) from the lakeshore and remarkably only about 210' from a dwelling.
As Don McCall noted, it looks like she will have flown across the Pacific Ocean to Panama, across the Caribbean to Nicaragua and likely out over the Pacific again on Thursday, all within 48 hours.
05 May, 2010
Island Girl Near Panama Canal on Tuesday
On Tuesday, Island Girl completed her crossing of Colombia and entered into Panama. She had really turned on the speed and covered 449 km (279 miles) for the day, flying roughly halfway across this next country.
She roosted in the mountain forests at 1,953' about 15 km (9 miles) NNE of the famous Cerro Azul. Her position was near the northernmost point of Panama and was certainly within view of the Caribbean Sea for the first time on this migration.
She was only 42 km (26miles) NE of our friend, Guido Berguido's place at Gamboa right on the Panama Canal. So it is very likely that she crossed it sometime this morning, perhaps at Lake Gatun.
Panama is the traditional point where, due to geography, a migrant peregrine has to make a major change in course. So far, Island Girl has been generally following a northerly or northwesterly track through South America.
However, here in Panama, she will have to turn hard to the west to continue moving through Central America.
She roosted in the mountain forests at 1,953' about 15 km (9 miles) NNE of the famous Cerro Azul. Her position was near the northernmost point of Panama and was certainly within view of the Caribbean Sea for the first time on this migration.
She was only 42 km (26miles) NE of our friend, Guido Berguido's place at Gamboa right on the Panama Canal. So it is very likely that she crossed it sometime this morning, perhaps at Lake Gatun.
Panama is the traditional point where, due to geography, a migrant peregrine has to make a major change in course. So far, Island Girl has been generally following a northerly or northwesterly track through South America.
However, here in Panama, she will have to turn hard to the west to continue moving through Central America.
04 May, 2010
Island Girl Traveling Through Colombia
Our bird continued up the classic coastal route as expected and covered 279 km (173 miles) on Monday.
Although she has been migrating for 3 weeks and has flown 5,159 km (3,206 miles) across South America, she seems to be in no particular rush at this point.
One of the nice things about this research so far is that we can now almost predict certain migratory behaviors and routes for the Arctic migrants from Chile. For example, nearly all of our tagged birds have chosen this northbound route through Colombia.
Anyway, she is nearing Panama now. The border was about 166 km (103 miles) north of her roost last night so we expect that she is reaching the Darien today. As soon as she enters Panama she will be officially leaving South America and moving into Central America.
Her roost was located approximately 5 km (3.9 miles) inland from the Pacific coastline. Heavy clouds obscured the details of the site but we can see that she did sleep in heavy tropical rain forest once again.
GE shows her elevation at 650', so she appears to have chosen a hill. I keep wondering what kind of tree she is sleeping in each night. How high up? Does she move in close to the trunk for concealment and protection?
Although she has been migrating for 3 weeks and has flown 5,159 km (3,206 miles) across South America, she seems to be in no particular rush at this point.
One of the nice things about this research so far is that we can now almost predict certain migratory behaviors and routes for the Arctic migrants from Chile. For example, nearly all of our tagged birds have chosen this northbound route through Colombia.
Anyway, she is nearing Panama now. The border was about 166 km (103 miles) north of her roost last night so we expect that she is reaching the Darien today. As soon as she enters Panama she will be officially leaving South America and moving into Central America.
Her roost was located approximately 5 km (3.9 miles) inland from the Pacific coastline. Heavy clouds obscured the details of the site but we can see that she did sleep in heavy tropical rain forest once again.
GE shows her elevation at 650', so she appears to have chosen a hill. I keep wondering what kind of tree she is sleeping in each night. How high up? Does she move in close to the trunk for concealment and protection?
03 May, 2010
Sunday in Colombia
Island Girl is taking the "classic" route up the Pacific coastline of South America. On Sunday, she crossed from Ecuador into Colombia, flying a total of 333km (207 miles) for the day and traversing nearly a third of the country already.
Almost all of our satellite-tagged falcons have flown up this verdant coastline of Colombia and she is no exception.
As I have said several times in the past, if there is anyone in Colombia that wants to band migrant peregrines, this coast would appear to be a dynamite place to set up a program.
She roosted last night in an extensive mangrove-covered estuary where three rivers come together. She was closest to a side channel of the Rio Timba. The GE coverage is pretty bad here but it appears that she slept in some really wet tropical rainforest.
Don noted that she was nearly due west of Cali.
Here's a geo-quiz.
Did you know that there are far more people in Colombia than Canada?
The countries with the largest populations in the western hemisphere are the US (301 million), Brazil (187 million), Mexico (108 million), Colombia (44 million), Argentina (40 million) and then Canada (34 million) (fide Wikipedia).
Almost all of our satellite-tagged falcons have flown up this verdant coastline of Colombia and she is no exception.
As I have said several times in the past, if there is anyone in Colombia that wants to band migrant peregrines, this coast would appear to be a dynamite place to set up a program.
She roosted last night in an extensive mangrove-covered estuary where three rivers come together. She was closest to a side channel of the Rio Timba. The GE coverage is pretty bad here but it appears that she slept in some really wet tropical rainforest.
Don noted that she was nearly due west of Cali.
Here's a geo-quiz.
Did you know that there are far more people in Colombia than Canada?
The countries with the largest populations in the western hemisphere are the US (301 million), Brazil (187 million), Mexico (108 million), Colombia (44 million), Argentina (40 million) and then Canada (34 million) (fide Wikipedia).
02 May, 2010
Island Girl Crosses The Equator
On Saturday, Island Girl crossed the equator into North America, leaving the southern hemisphere behind until next October.
She initially flew NW towards the coast and then reached the Pacific Ocean near the town of Pedernales. Once she arrived at the ocean, she changed her heading to the NE, likely following the natural leading line of the beaches.
Island Girl covered 245 km (152 miles) for the day, and passed by the town of Esmeraldas in extreme northwestern Ecuador.
She roosted in tropical forest about 1.2 km (.76 miles) inland from the beach at Playa Las Penas, obviously near sea level, and only 54 km (34 miles) south of Colombia. She should be arriving in that most northwesterly country of South America as I write this blog entry.
How many of you reading this blog realize that most of Colombia, and all of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are all in the northern hemisphere?
She initially flew NW towards the coast and then reached the Pacific Ocean near the town of Pedernales. Once she arrived at the ocean, she changed her heading to the NE, likely following the natural leading line of the beaches.
Island Girl covered 245 km (152 miles) for the day, and passed by the town of Esmeraldas in extreme northwestern Ecuador.
She roosted in tropical forest about 1.2 km (.76 miles) inland from the beach at Playa Las Penas, obviously near sea level, and only 54 km (34 miles) south of Colombia. She should be arriving in that most northwesterly country of South America as I write this blog entry.
How many of you reading this blog realize that most of Colombia, and all of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are all in the northern hemisphere?
01 May, 2010
Island Girl Moving Through the Central Valley Of Ecuador
On Friday, Island Girl continued north, following the "classic" peregrine migration route through the central lowland valley of Ecuador. She is still taking it easy and covered only 193 km (120 miles) for the day. She was approximately 110 km (69 miles) inland from the coastal city of Manta.
For those interested, Manta and Jipijapa are where the famous, lightweight Panama hat originated. They are made from the Toquilla straw plant.
Island Girl is nearing the Equator ("Ecuador") and roosted about 92 km (57 miles) south of the line. She will most likely be crossing it today.
She roosted in low tropical forest at only 325' elevation, just off Route 25, the main road from Guayaquil to Quito in the Andes.
There is a huge impoundment here in the Manabi Los Rios area. Peregrines often hunt out over such large bodies of water where they can cut off their potential prey from escaping into the forest cover.
Perhaps this is why she chose this location. She may have even been hunting bats high over the water. I have witnessed such behavior several times in Ecuador in past years.
For those interested, Manta and Jipijapa are where the famous, lightweight Panama hat originated. They are made from the Toquilla straw plant.
Island Girl is nearing the Equator ("Ecuador") and roosted about 92 km (57 miles) south of the line. She will most likely be crossing it today.
She roosted in low tropical forest at only 325' elevation, just off Route 25, the main road from Guayaquil to Quito in the Andes.
There is a huge impoundment here in the Manabi Los Rios area. Peregrines often hunt out over such large bodies of water where they can cut off their potential prey from escaping into the forest cover.
Perhaps this is why she chose this location. She may have even been hunting bats high over the water. I have witnessed such behavior several times in Ecuador in past years.
Island Girl Enters Ecuador
On Thursday, after 17 days of migration, Island Girl crossed over into Ecuador. She flew 182 km (123 miles) for the day and put in about 43 km (26 miles) SE of Guayaquil. She had flown parallel to the Pacific coast and past the delta of the Rio Guayas, the largest river in Ecuador.
She slept in what must be a gorgeous location. There is a small, isolated mountain range that "erupts" out of the flat coastal plain. The GE image resolution is quite poor in this area and so details are lacking, but our website map shows that she roosted about half-way up the north ridge of an apparent ancient volcanic peak. This heavily vegetated site overlooks a crater lake, the Laguna El Cancion. Her elevation was about 1,315'. Looks like a place you'd want to visit.
Island Girl has now covered 4,110 km (2,554 miles) on her northbound migration.
She slept in what must be a gorgeous location. There is a small, isolated mountain range that "erupts" out of the flat coastal plain. The GE image resolution is quite poor in this area and so details are lacking, but our website map shows that she roosted about half-way up the north ridge of an apparent ancient volcanic peak. This heavily vegetated site overlooks a crater lake, the Laguna El Cancion. Her elevation was about 1,315'. Looks like a place you'd want to visit.
Island Girl has now covered 4,110 km (2,554 miles) on her northbound migration.
Last Day in Peru
Sorry for the late report. It has been busy here for the last few days.
On Wednesday, Island Girl continued to fly NW, apparently crossing over a tip of the border with Ecuador before re-entering Peru. Still taking it easy, she covered only 139 km (86 miles) for the day.
Her roosting site (elevation 675') was pretty unique. She slept in a brushy area among the dry hills of a tributary of the Rio Tumbes. She was about 14 km (8.7 miles) inland from the coast and the Pan-American Highway and only 40 km (25 miles) from the border crossing into Ecuador.
She was also near the northern Peru city of Tumbes. If you look at this region on Google Earth, you'll see the beginning of the coastal mangrove habitats ("manglares") that typify the change from desert to tropical rain forest.
On Wednesday, Island Girl continued to fly NW, apparently crossing over a tip of the border with Ecuador before re-entering Peru. Still taking it easy, she covered only 139 km (86 miles) for the day.
Her roosting site (elevation 675') was pretty unique. She slept in a brushy area among the dry hills of a tributary of the Rio Tumbes. She was about 14 km (8.7 miles) inland from the coast and the Pan-American Highway and only 40 km (25 miles) from the border crossing into Ecuador.
She was also near the northern Peru city of Tumbes. If you look at this region on Google Earth, you'll see the beginning of the coastal mangrove habitats ("manglares") that typify the change from desert to tropical rain forest.
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