Web Extra: Visit to the Farallon Islands - Audio Slideshow

Recommended QUEST Resources

• Reporter's Notes: Journey to the Farallones

  Our trip to the Farallon Islands was certainly eventful: seasickness (me), bug bites (me) and immersion in one of the most unique wildlife habitats in the world (luckily). This chain of windblown rocks, about 27 miles from San Francisco, is teeming with 300,000 seabirds in the spring and summer.
  
  Read more of reporter Lauren Sommer's post on the QUEST Science Blog.

• Web Extra: Farallon Islands History Timeline

  The Farallon Islands, precariously perched just a few miles from the edge of the North American continental shelf, are home to an incredible array of wildlife, from tiny Auklets to Great White Sharks, The islands have played a surprising role in the cultural, economic, and technological development of the city of San Francisco. This timeline outlines the landmark events between Sir Francis Drake's landing in 1579 and the present day.

• The Farallon Islands - "California's Galapagos"

  Lying 28 miles off the coast of San Francisco, the Farallon Islands sit amid one of the most productive marine food webs on the planet and host the largest seabird breeding colony in the continental United States. QUEST ventures out for a rare visit to learn what life is like on the islands and meet the scientists who call this incredibly wild place home.

• Journey to the Farallones

  They've been called "California's Galapagos." Nearly 30 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge lie the Farallon Islands. This year marks their 100th anniversary as a national wildlife refuge. While the islands are off limits to tourists, reporter Lauren Sommer caught a ride with marine researchers to learn about how changes are affecting life there.

• Farallon Islands Interactive Map

  Established as a national wildlife refuge 100 years ago, the Farallon Islands are centered in one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. While off limits to the public, a handful of scientists study this unique habitat, a breeding ground for marine mammals and hundreds of thousands of birds. Explore the sights and history of the largest island for yourself with this interactive map.

Additional Links

• PRBO Conservation Science

  Learn more from the scientists working on the Farallon Islands.

• Live Webcam of the Farallones

  See a live video feed from the Farallon Islands, courtesy of the California Academy of Sciences.

• Farallon National Wildlife Refuge

  Get more information about the refuge from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.