You might have a chance to see a spectacle at Gualala Point Island this weekend. Common Murres, seabirds, nest on the island. When the chicks are ready to fledge, they have to take a leap of faith off the island and into the water where their fathers wait, calling up to them with encouragement. As of Friday, July 31st, the chicks were still on the island but they could fledge at any time now.

Sara Bogard was at the Point Arena Lighthouse bluffs when she saw a Common Murre chick in the water following its father, so this chick fledged earlier than the ones on GPI.

Once the chicks are in the water with dad, the mother birds are free from child rearing, something other bird mothers must be jealous of!

Thanks to Sara for allowing me to share her photo with you here.