Wildlife notes

An eagle found a blue fleshed fish in the rocky beach on the southwest shore.  I wonder if it is cabezon or a blue lingcod? When the eagle pulled it out of the rocks it was already eviscerated.  The black osytercatchers were relentless in their harassment. Eventually the eagle, with some effort, took the fish to Seal Rocks. Eagles flyby often and they seem to leave empty footed every time, at least when I am watching, so this was a rare treat to watch one tear away at and maneuver a large carcass.

Bald eagle tearing at its eviscerated fish.

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Bald eagle bothered by black oystercatchers swooping at it.

Bald eagle taking its fish to Seal Rocks to eat in peace.

The female elephant seal is on Day 13 of her molt. If she weren’t in the lee of the rocky hill by the flag pole, I think today’s winds would have blown the last remaining bits off her back.

Female elephant seal on Day 13 of her molt.

The egg collection in the killing fields, and strewn about here and there, continues to grow. I am always surprised to walk by nests and see fewer eggs than on the last pass. They so rarely leave their nests, I wonder when they get taken.

Growing collection of gull shells in the killing fields by the Keeper’s House.

Facility Work

• cleaned solar panels
• put away fire hoses
• scrubbed the north porch

Vessels

• Ecotourism:  12
• Private: 2

Weather

Strong westerly breeze until early afternoon, building to near gale in the afternoon (first time in a while that winds were higher than forecasted). Mostly clear skies with short periods of high clouds. Daytime temperatures: low 10, high 15.