August 18 and 19 | Race Rocks Ecological Reserve-

The compost rejuvenation project is almost complete! The first chamber was completely emptied with the compost spread to various locations, but mainly in the hollow along the main path to the Ecoguardian’s residence. The compost still in process from the second chamber was put into the first chamber, then topped with some completed compost which can be used to cover any new materials added. Compost from the second chamber was used to fill some voids around both residences, although it was not all used up. There remains about 1/3 of the mature compost, piled up for future removal or to cover new compostable materials. The final steps are to reattach the boards and maybe one more little thing…

Ecological Notes:

All three elephant seals were seen on August 18. One of the young females followed the alpha male all the way to his usual place alongside the researcher residence. She stayed with him for about 5 hours before returning on her own to the ramp.
Only passerines seen in the last two days were Brown-headed Cowbird.
The branded California sea lion (X759) seen Wednesday originates from Astoria, Oregon. He was branded in Feb 2017 and had not been reported away from that site after March 2017.
A Sooty Shearwater was seen south of Race Rocks on Friday.
At least one Ruddy Turnstone remains.
Very quiet on the water over the last two days.
See photos below for more ecological sightings.

Weather:

Yesterday (Thursday, August 18):
- Sky: Overcast in the early morning becoming clear and sunny
- Wind: Variable 1-21 kts
- Sea: calm to rippled
- Temperature Low 15^oC, High 27^oC
Today (Friday, August 19):
- Sky: Overcast with distant morning thunderstorms. Fog in the late morning, but mostly clear in the afternoon.
- Wind: mostly W 3-34 kts
- Sea: calm to 3′ chop.
- Temperature Low 13^oC, High 21^oC