Monthly Archives: May 2025

May 8th Census

Posted on by

I postponed my census from yesterday until today due to weather. I think yesterday’s wind must have blown away all the animals, not a single sea lion out front! 

Today was much nicer for counting and way more animals, although this may be the longest I’ve gone without seeing a whale here. Not a single one yet and its been a week! 

Mammals:

  • Elephant seals: 3 females
  • Harbour seals: 32
  • Steller sea lions: 37
  • California sea lions: 21

Birds:

  • Gulls: 114 
  • Cormorants: 19
  • Pigeon guillemots: 153
  • Oyster catchers: 8
  • Canadian geese: 6
  • Bald eagles: 3
  • Raven: 1
  • Harlequin ducks: 6 

Gulls are starting to build their nests!

I will note that 2 brown pelicans have been hanging around the last few days, and Ollie the sea otter as well but I did not see any of them today. 

Vessels:

  • Ecotourism: 5
  • Private: 4

Tuesday Update

Posted on by

Nothing too wild to report today! 

4 student groups from Pearson came over today which is always fun, and it was the perfect day for it! Sunny and no wind. 

Everything animal wise is status quo, the elephant seals seem to take turns at the boat launch dipping in the water. There are 2 pelicans that have been here the last few days and I will never not get excited when I see them! 

Sadly (but planned) my dad headed back to the mainland today so its just me and the animals out here now! It was so nice having him out here. 

Today’s facility work:

  • Topped up generator with diesel 
  • Cleaned solar panels 
  • Checked and topped up batteries
  • Weed whacked the pathways 
  • Started gardening between the bricks of the old wheels

Tomorrow is supposed to be windy and rainy so preparing for an inside day. 

Sunny Sunday

Posted on by

What a day! Finally no wind, so much sun, and the glassiest water you’ve ever seen. If there were any whales out there we for sure would’ve seen them but unfortunately there were none to be found! 

Speaking of unfortunate, I did spot an entangled Steller who happens to be the same one spotted here in August. Hopefully we can arrange a rescue soon! 

Ollie is still snuggled into the kelp patch, and the harbour seals are suspicious as usual. 

Lots of fishing boats out and about but only a couple came through the reserve and were very respectful of the animals hauled out. 

I cleaned the windows and solar panels, and started on some gardening with lots more to come! 

 

 

Back on the Rock!

Posted on by

Hello again! 

I arrived back at Race Rocks and couldn’t be happier! I brought my dad again for the first few days and its been lovely so far. 

There are 3 female elephant seals, one of which is tagged L334, I reported her last year and found out she came from California. Last May they told me she was 1 year old so now she is 2! The other female is the same size as her and there is also one adult. 

Ollie the sea otter has been spending his days in the kelp behind the student house, and I’m always happy to see him. 

We’ve also had a brown pelican hanging out near the jetty which is always exciting! Poor guy spent the day being harassed by gulls though. 

 

It’s been pretty windy since we arrived and I’m already looking forward to a break from it on Monday when it slows down. I still got some work done, split wood, topped up the battery electrolytes and got myself situated. 6 ecotourism vessels in the reserve today despite the strong wind. No whales though!