Wildlife notes:

The other day I went looking for more banded gulls to report. I’ve found three different ones so far and was hoping for another. They don’t mix in with the breeding gulls on the island but hang out along the rocky shoreline with the juveniles or other visiting gulls. Instead of a banded gull, I found a Heermann’s gull. The bird guides state it is the easiest gull to identify with its red bill, white head, grey body, black tail and black feet, perfectly dressed for a formal dinner. What a classy bird.

Heermann’s gull

Heermann’s gull preening

Heermann’s gull in flight

From left to right: Heermann’s, immature western and California gulls.

I spotted seven killer whales about 1.5 miles to the southwest. They were flanked for about 3 miles by an armada of ecotourism vessels of all sizes. No peace for these creatures just trying to find some lunch!

Facility work:

• cleaned solar panels
• cleaned windows on Keeper’s house

Vessels:

20 ecotourism

DND activity:

A few blasts were heard mid-day. Wildlife was not visibly disturbed.

Weather:

Sunny and fresh westerly breeze throughout the day. Daytime temperature steady 12 degrees.