Rhinoceros Auklet, Ano Nuevo Island.

Many seabirds nest on islands in burrows which can collapse for several reasons including human foot traffic and pinniped activity. Año Nuevo is home to over 9,000 seabirds (and 18,000 marine mammals) and is thus one of the most important islands in California. Rhinoceros Auklets Cerorhinca monocerata were extirpated from California in the 1800s but have been re-colonizing their historical nesting sites since the 1970s. Burrowing seabirds depend on undisturbed soil and stable vegetation.

Rhinoceros Auklet

Earlier research showed that providing nesting boxes and installing boardwalks shielded the nest sites from erosion. Our grant was used for nest boxes and Trex boardwalks. Other supporting partners include the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Pollution Fund Center (oil spill funds) and Año Nuevo State Reserve. The second grant supported an intern who evaluated the impact of the nest boxes and boardwalk on nesting success of Rhinoceros Auklets on Año Nuevo.

• Years of grants: 2008 & 2009
• Amounts: $5,000 & $4,500
• Grantee: Point Reyes Bird Observatory (now Point Blue)