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Wandering Gooney Birds destiny; IBRRC and each other A chance in 1.2 million that the birds end up together in California
Cordelia, CA, February 12, 2002 -- Ten years ago, Jay Holcomb banded a Laysan Albatross that ended up at International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC). Five years later he banded another wayward bird that also ended up at the Bay area based center. Both birds were taken out to sea and released. The chance that these two birds, would become lovebirds and end up at his center again, many years later, is akin to winning the lottery. Especially since their breeding grounds are a few tiny islands 2,800 miles west of San Francisco.
“We suspect they’re a mated pair because of the displaying and brood patch on the female’s breast. And we know their history because of their federal bands. But how do you explain the fate of the two of them ending up at our center, together. Again?” asked Holcomb, director of IBRRC.
The birds are getting some R&R and waterproofing before their release, which will occur out at sea. The center, which specializes in the rehabilitation of sea birds and waterfowl, found the birds in good health, but not totally waterproof. “This is probably due to the fact they were on a barge, which they most likely mistook for an island, “ Holcomb speculates. “We want to make sure their feathers are in perfect condition before we release them.”
IBRRC’s experience with Laysan Albatross is rather extraordinary. Back in March of 1979, a Laysan Albatross, whose wing feathers had been cut off, was found wandering the streets of San Francisco. The bird, named “Munch” because of its extremely aggressive behavior, made rehabilitation history by being the first known albatross to have its feathers replaced, a process known as imping. Munch was flown to Midway Island, the major breeding place of Laysans, and released. Nine years later, a seabird biologist studying a new breeding colony of about a dozen pairs of albatross on Isla Guadalupe, a group of small islands off of Baja California, noticed that one had a federal band. It was Munch. A week later, a photo of Munch, sitting on an egg, arrived in the mail. The discovery that Munch was alive, and a parent as well, was a dream come true for the rehabilitors at the center.
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Karen Benzel
PR/Media Relations
International Bird Rescue Research Center
510/814-7227 phone
www.ibrrc.org
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Midway Atoll is closed
Many thanks to Jeff Boucher for the following news item.
"Midway Atoll is closed. Apparently access will be only by boat, but there will be no logistical support on the atoll anymore. Phoenix/Midway, a commercial operation that was working with the Hawaiian Fish and Wildlife, decided to end the relationship after about 5 years. They ran the concessions on the atoll, that subsidized Fish and wildlife operations there. This came about because US govt. budget cuts would of initially forced the closure of the refuge. F&W asked the US govt. if they would be open to a 'partnership' with a commercial entity, in order to preserve F&W's presence out there. The Gov't said OK, and they came to an agreement with Phoenix/Midway. However, years later, P/M wasn't turning a profit, and was under many operating restrictions from F&W. They now have decided to pull the plug on the operation.
For a few years anyway, Midway was a superb location for birding, diving , and fishing. The atoll is once again in the hands of the 'local residents'.
I was fortunate enough to of lead 2 trips out to Midway Atoll, and it is truly a huge loss."