temperature rise today is reflected in the return of the seagulls and 150 cormorants +60 starlings, 25 black Turnstons, 15 black oyster catchers, 16 crows, 21 bald eagles [10 mature
5 sealions hauled out on North rock. 120 sealions on West race. 22 on great race .
143/32 second nature was out with BCTEL learning Channel promo visit. Angus, Garry, and Chris with them.
a few gulls and only 2 Eagles in the area, very cold -3° C with Northeast winds 22 to 35.
15 20 Sea lions are called out on the S. side.
300 sea lions are rafting on the south and west side of great race.
At 1510 Snow has started, northeast 24, visibility 1/2 mile. Ground white in 10 minutes .
10 o’clock number 304 Coast Guard helicopter in with two men from Victoria base to pour cement pad for fuel hose reels. Returned at 1400 hrs. to pick up crew. 100 sea lions , 60% Steller’s, cold North East outflow winds all day.
Three bald eagles, two mature here most of the day.
Angus over from the college testing the new cell phone that has been installed. At 1150 and elephant seal has hold out in East Bay, 50 feet from the water. It seems to be in moult many sores on the body, shivering although out of the wind. W
Jan 4 cold-weather, snow on mainland but not on racerocks.—- January, 5- over 300 gulls on the east shore , no bald eagles today.
at 1405 Spring Tide tour boat came through the reserve. There are a large group of gulls, and cormorants, as well as a flock of 60+ European starlings around the reserve today. The 16 oyster catchers are still in the East Bay area. Three elephant seals are hauled out on the South Shore by the engine room for some part of each day.
Look for 2 Pedder bay Boats sea up to 4ft mod. Keep look out on rescue boat until 1550 hrs. One boat back to Pedder bay marina, other boat to Sooke.
Mike Slater
1540: 3 boaters lost in fog totally disoriented –gave directions back to Pedder Bay.
Mike Slater
4 boaters lost in fog totallly disoriented –gave directions back to Pedder Bay Marina.
Mike Slater