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The Channel Islands support a rich variety of birds, distinct in many ways from the birds of the adjacent mainland. The islands offer protected habitat in an increasingly disturbed southern California environment.
They are important nesting areas for seabirds; the particular association of northern and southern species found here is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The islands support large numbers of Western Gulls, Cassin's Auklets, Brandt's Cormorants, and the only nesting population of Brown Pelicans along the west coast of the United States. Also, the islands support the world's largest population of Xantus' Murrelets.
The land birds on the islands are also a distinctive group—they represent a unique selection of the birds that live across the Channel on the California mainland. Ten of the 40 land bird species that commonly nest on the park islands are represented by endemic species or subspecies—forms that occur only on the islands and nowhere else. Of this group, the island scrub jay is the only bird that is endemic on the species level.
Viewing Seabirds
While some seabird species may be viewed from the islands, the park boat concessionaires will search for seabirds on the boat trip out to the islands. Be sure to tell a boat crew member that you are interested in seabirds and they will often assist in finding and identifying birds.
In addition, local chapters of the Audubon Society occasionally sponsor boats trips around the islands to view seabirds. Please click for local chapter information.
Viewing Land Birds and Shore Birds
The larger islands of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa offer more types of habitats and therefore, more variety of land birds. Many birdwatchers will visit Prisoners Harbor (easiest viewing opportunity) or Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island to view the island scrub jay.
Due to limited beach access on some islands, shore bird viewing is best done on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, or San Miguel Islands.
