Fledglings!!!

Yesterday during my predator watch shift from 5-930, I had two BRPE disturbances. Just like what Cheryl had been experiencing up at Yaquina Head. That heart breaking stuff, yeah, I had to watch it. Although, I don't think mine was as bad hers was. Still, my heart broke for these birds. You know how much energy a bird uses just to lay an egg? Then to incubate it till it hatches, then keep the chick alive until fledging? It's not without cost and risk. That's why when you finally see a bird fledge...its a beautiful thing. Last night, in between disturbances, when things were calm. I watched 3 male adults walk their chicks to a spot on the rock, then one by one, the chick would jump first, then the adult. I yelped out loud when it happened! First of all, the fact that I got to see that is unbelievable! My rock is far away from my observation point, and they only fledge in the evenings, and only at certain spots on the rock. I can't believe I got to see what part of the rock they fledge from, and to see how they fledge, and when they fledge! AH!! Excitement doesn't begin to cover my emotions after watching it. I was like.....AHH! Here's how I would compare it...when your kid graduates high school or college for that matter. It's like after all of that work, they make it! Beautiful, just beautiful! I immediately called Cheryl, and she couldn't believe I was able to see it either. We all thought it wouldn't be possible to see it from my spot. But, it is! Yay! I wish I could have gotten pictures for you, but I was more interested in just witnessing the event as opposed to trying to get a picture. Also, I didn't go to the MAMU survey. Yeah yeah...It is 3 hours away, and I've already driven that route 4 times this week, give me a break. I'm tired of driving. haha. So, now enjoy these pics...

 My spot...from Tuesday evening

 Me and my spot on Tuesday when the sun decided to make a short appearance before sunset. 

 Me with Table Rock in the background today...sun wasn't out, but yet still bright on a cloudy day, hence the squinting/winking.

 You can see the fog forming around the top of my rock...this was today

 Fog forming around Table Rock

So, for the last two hours of my predator watch, my rock was fogged over, so I sat in my car waiting to see if it would clear up. Leaving my windows cracked for air flow clearly left me vulnerable to a bird poop attack. Good thing it hit my waterproof jacket that was easy to clean. These birds have awesome aim!