Author Archives: Anne Stewart

A Dash for the Otter Spot.

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Again today, west to west-southwest winds ruled the waves, as currents ebbed and flooded and the last Swiftsure Race sailboats headed for Victoria. Solar radiation levels were high although there was some cloud cover, late in the day. The barometric pressure continued the decline started yesterday and the forecast for tomorrow is similar to today, with continuing strong wind warnings.

Four whale watching boats were observed in the Ecological Reserve today and everyone was respectful and performed well.

The same ecological happenings described in the last few weeks continued today. The elephant seals moved further back into the garden making it a bit dicey to check the fresh water levels in the little shed and even climbing up towards the light tower from the de-salinator building. Floyd was stretched out right in front of the Eco-guardian’s house sleeping for most of the day. He took the path back down to the jetty ramp late afternoon for a second swim.

 

Garden gnomes returned for more lawn flattening.

Garden gnomes returned for more lawn flattening.

About ten large adult male California Sealions are ensconced on the north side of Great Race Island near the derrick. They are very rotund. The Steller’s Sealions continue to haul out on the South Islands.

When I did the seawater sample last night, I saw three very different shorebirds. One was easy to identify: it was the first Black Turnstone that I have seen since they all left a few weeks ago and it flew off to the north as I was looking at it. The other two were silhouetted by the setting sun and very difficult to see. When I returned with the camera, they had flown the coop. I scouted around to see if they had landed somewhere in the lee, for a rest, but to no avail. My guesses are Western Sandpiper and Dunlin but without a better look, they have to remain in the guess category. The Yellow-headed Blackbird has gone too, after hanging around for almost a week and allowing me to photograph it before leaving. Perhaps the new lawn crushing, wee bit smelly, neighbours were off-putting.

I also saw the River Otter (Lontra canadensis) today. Nick had seen it just before I arrived and it is likely that it has been here the whole time, just very furtive. I was up in the tower when I spotted it making a dash for its lair under the Tank Shed. There have been signs of River Otter around but this was my first sighting since last fall.

Green sea urchin (Stronglocentrotus drobachiensis) possibly foraged by a River Otter.

Green sea urchin (Stronglocentrotus drobachiensis) possibly foraged by a River Otter.

There were no visitors today and chores were routine.

Well Timed with the Race

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Winds were calmer today and came from the same general direction, ranging from west to southwest, at a respectable 10 to 20 knots for most of the day. The speed picked up at bit in the evening, pushing behind the first Swiftsure sailboat back with 25 to 30 knots. The sky was partially overcast for much of the day but it was bright and sunlight levels were energetic. The barometer continued its climb started late Thursday, peaked late in the afternoon, and started the inevitable slide back down. The forecast is calling for more wind this evening and more of the same tomorrow.

Stellers Sealions craning their necks to see the sailboats racing by Race Rocks.

Stellers Sealions craning their necks to see the sailboats racing by Race Rocks.

There were a lot of vessels, all around Race Rocks today as the Swiftsure Sailing Race passed by, mid-morning and began returning in the evening. None of the sailboats in the race were observed within the Ecological Reserve although a few were drawn close to North Rocks by the currents. Six whale watching boats were noted working in the Ecological Reserve in the morning and one in the afternoon. The usual Saturday dive charter tended a group of divers off South Islands.

Divers enjoy the incredible biodiversity underwater at Race Rocks. The Ecological Reserve includes the creatures on the bottom, so it is a sustainable diver destination with responsible operators like Ogden Point Diving gate-keeping.

Divers enjoy the incredible biodiversity underwater at Race Rocks. The Ecological Reserve includes the creatures on the bottom, so it is a sustainable diver destination with responsible operators like Ogden Point Diving gate-keeping.

The Northern Elephant Seal moult continues, as does mating, nest building, laying and incubating by Black Oystercatchers. The Pigeon Guillemots and Glaucous-winged Gulls are not far behind and the Canada Geese are way out ahead with some gaggles of goslings already larger than chickens.

This female Northern Elephant Seals contributed a skin sample without knowing it.

This female Northern Elephant Seals contributed a skin sample without knowing it.

Skin samples and vibrissae were collected today, from the ground where moulting animals had been lying. Luckily they leave and go for a swim once and a while, so this is a non-invasive way to take a sample. The hope is that funds for isotopic analyses can be found. Information generated by these analyses will give information about diet and trophic level and could be particularly meaningful for tagged animals, for which there is already baseline data. Some of these animals, such as 5850, also had a satellite tag earlier in its life. There is very little information published on the only Northern Elephant Seal colony in Canada.

A single Brant visited today, stopping off on the helicopter-pad to have a rest and preen. Oddly enough the gulls were not that welcoming. It didn’t stay long enough for the Canada Geese to notice.

Brandt makes a landing on the heli-pad.

Black brant goose makes a landing on the heli-pad. It has a long way to fly before it nests in the tundra of the high arctic.

Brandt

There were no visitors today and chores were routine, of the entropy defying type. Solar power was used to run the desalinator and make lots of fresh water today in spite of clouds.

 

 

 

 

Yellow-headed Blackbird

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Again it was a day dominated by the west and west-southwest winds. It was blowing 30 to 35 knots at dawn but the velocity subsided and most of the day it blew 20 to 25 knots. Skies were partially overcast and as predicted there were a few showers. Air temperature remains low, and is not much different than flooding sea surface temperature at ~ 9.7 oC. ranging between 10 oC and 12 oC .The wind is also chilling and today had the highest wind speeds of the week. The barometer rose today from 1008 to 1013 hPa and is dropping now while the forecast calls for gales and a gale warning has been issued. Saturday is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers.

There were four whale-watching boats observed, working in the Ecological Reserve today. No other vessels were observed in reserve.

Female Northern Elephant Seal # 5086 is on day seven of her moult now and has made great strides in losing skin during the last 24 hours. She has achieved the two thirds moulted milestone and is still grouchy.

5086_Day 7

Black Oystercatchers are without a doubt nesting now and there are eggs in their terribly spartan nests, which have none of the comforts of home like soft vegetation or down.

Untitled bloy egg2

Some of the goslings are getting quite large and although they may be considered pesty, they are still fascinating to watch.

gosling

The California Sealions are moving back onto Great Race and I awoke to a chorus of them doing a call and response outside my bedroom window this morning.

ZACA

Thanks go out to Don Stewart for spotting and identifying an Anna’s Hummingbird on Great Race today, I believe this is a new addition to the species list here.

DCS

Another thank you to Rocky Point Bird Observatory for identifying a Yellow-headed Blackbird, another possibly new bird to the island. It has been hiding in the long grass and thistles near the base of the Light Tower and it has been difficult to get a photo fast enough. Today it flew to the roof of the Energy Building which made a photo much easier.

Yhblkbrd

Yesterday was census day but it was too foggy much of the day to do a good census. Here are the results from today’s census.

Northern Elephant Seals 26 (18 on Great Race, 8 on Middle Rock)

Harbour Seals 228

California Sealions 14

Northern (Stellers) Sealions 26

Canada Geese 24 (+ 21 goslings)

Harlequin Ducks 6

Pelagic Cormorants 8

Double Crested Cormorants 13

Bald Eagle total 3; 1 adult, 2 sub-adults

Black Oystercatchers          14

Kildeer                                   2

Pigeon Guillemots              230

Glaucous-winged Gulls total 564 (556 adults in nesting areas; 8 sub-adults in                           roosting/resting area)

California Gulls                    6

Common Raven                  1

Northwestern Crow             1

Anna’s Hummingbird         1

Yellow-headed Blackbird   1

Chores were routine today. Courtney came out with the new switch box for Camera 2 and installed it. Camera 2 is working again now but a close-up study on diatom film. Don left on Second Nature.

 

 

 

Strong Wind Warning Continued.

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The west-southwest wind continued unabated, varying only in speed, which ranged from 15 to 35 knots and favoured the high end. Race Rocks was shrouded in thick fog until late afternoon and when it cleared, the fog retreated past Beechey Head, west towards Sooke. The air temperature hovered at 10oC after it cleared; just a fraction of a degree above sea surface temperature and 12 oC colder than Pedder Bay. The barometer was fairly steady at ~ 1008-1009 dropping towards the end of the day to 1007 hPa. A strong wind warning remains in effect and the forecast calls for a 30% chance of showers tomorrow.

Nine whale watching boats were observed working in the Ecological Reserve today. We could hear them well before we could see them due to the fog. After the fog lifted several more vessels arrived.

orca spirit

One of the two Orca Spirit whale watching vessels approaches Middle Channel slowly and cautiously.

Military blasting mid-day was large and shook the houses knocking things off of shelves in the science house. The Northern Elephant Seals did not even open their eyes or roll over while the Steller’s and California Sealions put their heads-up and a few of the larger individuals went into the water. The loud noises did not seem to ‘phase’ the other animals.

The ecological happenings include synchronized nuptial flights and dives by Pigeon Guillemots, mating and nest building by the gulls, Pigeon Guillemots and Black Oystercatchers. The Canada Goose goslings are putting on an incredible growth spurt, not surprising, I suppose as they eat all day. In the opposite extreme the Northern Elephant Seals are losing mass and girth as their moult continues and some of the smaller ones especially, are starting to look like they need to eat. Fourteen elephant seals graced the garden today. Tagged female #5086 is six days into her moult and is still less than one third moulted.

5086 day 6 molt

This female (tag # 5086) is on the sixth day of her moult.

huddle

Most of these young animals, with the exception of the second from left, are almost finished their moults. Occasionally they wake up rearranged themselves do a bit of jousting and then go back to sleep.

Thursday is usually census day but the fog was too thick to do the counts at the optimal times, so it is postponed until tomorrow.

Don came back to the island with me yesterday evening to help out and have a visit. This afternoon Courtney brought Guy & Christine out in Second Nature to finish training on the generator and desalinator. Emil, a PC student, his brother and parents came along as well for a bit of an island tour and had a chance to observe the Northern Elephant Seals.

 

Chores were of the mundane and routine variety.

 

Patches of Fog.

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The fog was hanging like a wall to the west when we left the island early this morning and on return this evening, the fog was just wrapping around the island. Winds stayed west-southwest and were gusting over 30 knots this evening. The barometer started dropping after noon, holding steady at ~1013 hPa., up to that point. At sunset it was down to 1008 hPa. Cumulative solar energy was ~ 550 Langleys today, down from yesterday, so I am guessing there was some fog here during part of the day, as yesterday it was up at 600 Ly. The forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same, westerly winds, a strong wind warning and fog patches. The fog “patch” is a big one extending up the west coast to at least Bamfield.

On yesterday’s intertidal foray, there were numerous large Hemigrapsus nudus shore crabs in a fairly high tidal pool with only one rock. This is not the ‘usual’ habitat where I am used to finding this species: but perhaps because of the high current they shelter in high tidal pools instead of under cobbles and boulders, a little lower in the intertidal. It is also possible that some may be another species as some of them have a very rounded instead of rectangular carapace.

 

Hemigrapsus nudus, the common shore crab in a high tide pool.

Hemigrapsus nudus, the common shore crab in a high tide pool.

hemigrap?

This crab and the one in the next photo have rounded carapaces with definite notches as opposed to the more rectangular carapace of the common shore crabs. Will report back on identification confirmation.

crab_id

Another example of gigantism here is exhibited in the Littorina spp. or periwinkles. They are much larger than I am used to seeing and every little piece of kelp blown into the high intertidal is immediately (at a snail’s pace) consumed.

A piece of kelp in the high intertidal is a magnet for hungry littorines.

A piece of kelp in the high intertidal is a magnet for hungry littorines.

The elusive Kildeer that normally arrive after dark and leave before light, came early tonight in the fog. Observations of two individuals revealed interesting interactions. One individual fanned out (her?) tail feathers held high, with head down and wings out and down, while the other individual did some serious head bobbing.

It is not known what vessels were or were not in reserve today

The student advisee group and their adults (and small child) left mid-morning today. Don arrived for a few days.

Chores were routine today.

Great Tide at Great Race.

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Fog in the morning, fog in the evening, sunshine in the afternoon: this is the weather pattern right now. Strong westerly winds from 20 to 33 knots blow all day and all night. It is really all about equilibrium with that huge mass of cold Pacific water and cool air temperatures rushing in to cool a rapidly warming ‘interior’. Yesterday afternoon there was a ten-degree air temperature difference between here (in fog and wind) and the Victoria airport (in brilliant sunshine). Off in the far distance to the east, thunderheads are visibly forming as that warm air rises and takes moisture with it.

Today, as yesterday, the barometer climbed until about noon and then fell by about the same amount, ending up at ~ 1014 hPa., in the late afternoon. The forecast is for continued strong wind warnings and patches of fog.

There were no vessels observed in the Ecological Reserve today.

Excellent daytime low tides continue and a few more species of algae have been added to my list. Pleurophycus gardneri, the broad-ribbed kelp was growing at 0.2m as was Saccharina groenlandica, the split kelp, which used to be known as a Laminaria. A couple of reds included Endocladia muricata, an important species used as settling substrate for California Mussels and a branching coralline species in a tidal pool, possibly Corallina vancouverensis (jury still out on that id).

Lam groenPleurophycus

corallinaclimbing pup

On the elephant seal front, the small, tagged male 9807, decided to climb up a very steep hill and he had quite a time getting back down. Rock climbing is just not an strong point for elephant seals. It probably seemed like a good idea to go up in order to get away from the boisterous larger males but coming down a different and much more difficult route, he looked a little worried and wane, with his big eyes and his baggy skin.

Ten students, two teachers and a small child came out for an advisee group retreat overnight and they are well ensconced in the science house.

Chores and maintenance were routine today.

 

The Long Weekend.

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Fog followed an overcast dawn and was repetitively beaten back by sunshine throughout the day. While the sun was out, it was intense (900 Watts/meter2), but fog lingered just to the west and Beechey Head was repeatedly obscured as the fog came and went. Eventually in early evening, pushed by the west-southwest wind, the fog rolled back in and enveloped Race Rocks. For most of the day day the wind blew west a fairly steady, 10 – 15 knots. The fog wind was more intense though, pushing 25 – 30 knots. The barometer went up a bit in the morning and then, after noon it dropped by a little more than it had gone up, ending up at ~1014 hPa and falling. The forecast is for a strong wind warning, (more westerlies), mainly sunny, with a few clouds.

No whale watching vessels were observed in the Ecological Reserve today. Several private, sportsfishing boats went through at a respectful speed and they were not fishing in reserve. One rental boat from Pedder Bay Marina was fishing in the Rockfish Conservation Area on both the east and on the west side of the houses. The people seemed to know that they were not supposed to be there and were playing a bit of hide and seek. Two couples were all fishing for and keeping rockfish in the Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA). Whether or not they exceeded the limit for outside RCA (1 rockfish per day) is open for speculation.

Two large male Killer Whales were spotted travelling east, along the north edge of the Ecological Reserve in Race Passage. As is often the case with Bigg’s Killer Whales, they seemed to be evasive, perhaps exhaling underwater. They were spotted again near nNorth Rocks and then skirted around to the south. From their behavious, it is likely that these were Bigg’s Killer Whales.

It takes a lot less energy to play when suspended in water.

It takes a lot less energy to play when suspended in water.

The Northern Elephant Seals have been sticking very close to shore during their swims, preferring the shallow sub-tidal in the bull kelp fringes. The young males who love to play fight when they are hauled out continue their sparring activity in the water. I wonder if the Bigg’s Killer Whales could hear them?

A small seal with new tags.

A small seal with new tags.

Another new (to me) Northern Elephant Seals showed up today, well tagged with #9836 on the right and #9807 on the left. All four tags looked really new as did the seal. The smallest one ashore since I arrived in March, it had almost completed its’ moult and the skin was looking too big for it, so I venture to guees that it has been hauling out on Middle Rock moulting for a while and came over to Great Race because of all the bustling seal activity here.

This small animal is starting to look like her skin is a bit too big for her.

This small animal is starting to look like her skin is a bit too big for her.

Both routine chores and seasonal maintenance were accomplished today. The grated, aluminum ramp on the jetty was repaired and trouble-shooting completed on the Whaler’s electrical system. There were no new visitors today.

Finally Field Exam.

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It blew west 15 – 20 knots all day as the barometer slowly climbed to 1016 hPa and leveled off. The early, overcast sky gave way to sunshine by late morning and it continued brilliantly until sunset. The forecast is for more of the same with the strong wind warning continuing.

Two whale watching boats were observed working in the Ecological Reserve and both followed guidelines and regulations, treating the Reserve and its wildlife with respect. Several sports fishing boats passed through the Ecological Reserve at low speed and only one halibut sports fishing boat was slow to slow, in the go-slow zone, doing at least 15 knots but eventually remembering and slowing.

All of the ecological happenings reported on, in the last week or so continued today. Great Race was busy with Northern Elephant seals coming and going from their bathing routines, moulting, sleeping and jousting. The gulls, guillemots and oystercatchers continued to prepare for the next generation and Canada Geese were out and about, promenading their goslings. A raven was seen taking one small gosling that had been noted dead earlier, near a nest in front of the science house. Both species of sealion seem more vocal this week, with the Steller’s mostly on West Rocks and the Californians more spread out but definitely back at South Islands.

Today was busy with visitors as Laura and 36 first year marine science students arrived early to do their marine science field exam. Chris and Courtney, shuttled the class out in Second Nature and Hyaku. An extra trip in Hyaku brought out author Peter Johnson who is researching lighthouses for an up-coming book, along witha guest photographer. Hanne, a second year marine science student from Pearson College also arrived on that trip and she photographed the first years hard at work and enjoyed observing elephant seals with Courtney.

connor

Connor continuing to learn from nature even as he writes exam.

Ha biodivers

Ha finishes off answers on biodiversity and species richness, surrounded by diverse intertidal species.

more biodivers

Determining a relationship between tidal height and intertidal diversity.

marsci exam west

‘Delightful dichotomies and wondrous waves’ is the intriguing title of this exam station.

My family continued their visit and helped out in lots of different ways, from assisting boats and people on the jetty, to encouraging me in becoming more proficient and comfortable running the derrick. I assisted Laura and students with the field exam, which is very unique. This is one exam the students will  never forget.

 

 

 

Sonny Saturday.

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The west wind blew 20 – 25 knots all day, bringing cloud, drizzle, rain and eventually, late afternoon, sunshine. The strong wind warning remains in effect and the barometer, which has been hovering above 1010 HPa., has started to drop very gradually. The forecast for tomorrow calls for a mix of sun and rain.

Identifiable, commercial tour boats in the Ecological Reserve were limited to five whale watching boats and one dive charter, today. Two Sea Doo- type vessels, came from the direction of Victoria, did a tour around Race Rocks, and headed back.

Luxuriant growth of Pineapple Weed, Matricaria sp. has filled in the highly disturbed areas where hundreds of sealions hauled out last fall and winter, compacting the soil and destroying all vegetation. Although considered a weed, the pineapple smell is nice and covers up the devastation left behind by the sealions.

Tall pineapple weed covers the area occupied by sealions last fall and winter.

Another species left over from the old gardens here, is blooming right now and very beautiful. It looks like it might be in the iris family but it is not something I am familiar with. So if you are reading this and recognize the plant, please let me know what it is.

You are invited to name (identify) the mystery plant.

You are invited to name (identify) the mystery plant, which may be a heritage lighthouse plant.

Mystery flower.

Mystery flower is Gladiolus imbricatus, originally from southeastern Europe/Turkey. It has been growing unattended for at least fifty years. Thanks to Garry Fletcher for the identification.

Floyd continues to visit Great Race. He spends extra time in the water, suspended and fairly weightless, understandably more comfortable, considering his great bulk.

Floyd top head floyd ventral face

Floyd sleeping near the science house.

Floyd sleeping near the science house.

Eighteen elephant seals continue to haul out on Great Race and their moults are at different stages, depending on start time. The animals that arrived early appear to have completed their moult except for the regrowth of vibrissae. Animals that arrived recently, like Floyd and the female, 5086 are just starting the process.

Glaucous-winged Gulls looking broody.

Glaucous-winged Gulls looking broody.

Some gulls are already looking broody and sitting like they are practicing for incubation. Mating pairs can be seen throughout the colony.

My family continues to visit. Chores and maintenance included a lot of regular tasks, some monthly jobs and a few extraordinary repairs. The fire-pump ran for several hours today adding to the seawater in the cistern.