Farallon Islands, CA

April - August 1998
My first field season. 4 months on a small, rocky island 28 miles West of San Francisco.
The Farallons are home to the largest seabird and marine mammal colonies in the continental United States south of Alaska. I fell in love with seabirds out here despite the numerous attacks to the head from the Western Gulls.

For more information about the island and PRBO, check out the following links:
PRBO Conservation Science: Southeast Farallon Island Studies
Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Los Farallones

And for the history of these islands, check out: http://www.fws.gov/sfbayrefuges/farallon/history.htm

View of buildings from boat

PRBO house (left) and US Coast Guard house (right)
These buildings have since been renovated.

Islets

how do you get on the island? on the Billy Pugh!!

1998 Field Crew:
Kelly Hastings, Russ Bradley, Shaye Wolf, Shiway, Kristin, Michelle Hester


Common Murre adults and chick


Western Gull coming in...


Western Gull K Plot


Shaye & Rhinoceros Auklet


Ashy Storm-Petrel


Brandt's Cormorants parents & chick


Cassin's Auklet chick

Hodge-podge of marine mammals