[CINC] SBI Hike-9/30

[Paul Petrich]

Dear  Island People,
 I hope this is not the last island report to be given for a while, no thanks to our  "Brain Children" in D.C.? 
 Anyway, yesterday the Islander, with skipper Alex at the helm, took 23 passengers out to SBI on calm seas, after dropping a bunch off at Scorpion Anchorage, as well as volunteers Marty Flam and Bob Holm. I led the hike at SBI. Only 4 joined me: However they were a very interesting group on a mission to be described below. Everyone else aboard were either kayakers with guides, bird biologist connecting with folks already researching terrestrial bird numbers on the island, or plant restoration volunteers ( from Westmont College ) coming as a replacement detail for the ongoing Montrose Settlements Restoration Program aimed at restoring native shrubs for the benefit of nesting Murrelets and Auklets.
 On the way home we had over 30 campers come aboard ( a full campground worth )  which included a Sierra Club group and restoration volunteers, as well as some young lobster divers ( for opening day), who did well indeed!  Also, the bird people were aboard as well and your's truly got an education on bird watching. On the way home they were very excited to spot: 3 Southern Polar Skua and multiple individual Pomari Jaegers. These birds were described as being "marauders", as they primarily steal fish from other birds as they migrate thousands of miles over the seas. There were Shearwaters aplenty, both "Black Vented" and I think "Pink Footed"? ( no Sooty ). On the island the bird people saw Swainson's Thrush and Least Fly Catchers, which were exciting sightings for them. As well they saw a Peregrine Falcon in mid-air action catching prey.
 As for my hiking folks: They came on the hike prior to kayaking with a guide. They were film makers from Santa Barbara. They are making a documentary on all of the Channel Islands. Specifically, they are focussing on the cultural aspect of all people who have explored, lived, or gained a lively hood from the Channel Islands. They have been in contact with Marla Daily, and were very interested in my reflections about the Hyder family living on the island and of Buster's eventual founding of a sport fishing landing in San Pedro ( he was the owner when I was a teenage deckhand ). Also, they were interested in the once bountiful fisheries, both commercial and recreationally, that the waters around the Channel Islands sustained for a while. Recent CINP and CINMS resource recovery, research,  and protection missions are of interest to them in terms of the individuals making them happen ( The story about Peter Sharpe and his heroics in relation to our Bald Eagle recovery fascinated them! ). Of course the Chumash and Tongva as peoples will start their story off.  Stay tuned,  Paul Petrich
  
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