TEMPERATURE: Max. 17.0 ºC »» Min. 9.1 ºC »» Reset 15.7 ºC
MARINE LIFE: The sealions seem to enjoy the near fall sunshine as much as we do, many of them with their bellies up, soaking in the warmth.The nesting gulls are all but gone, the odd juvenile returns to search the old nest area for a free meal maybe but finding only a few feathers to peck at soon flies back out to sea.We are not too sad that the ‘bird’ season is pretty much over- spent the day scrubbing and washing down the porches – will take a few roaring northeasters to really clean things up! The sunsets are fantastic (check out camera # 1in the evening) and with the clear skies, the moon light is so bright, have to close the blind to sleep!
HUMAN INTERACTION:There were 7 pleasure craft, 6 kayakers( too close to North Rks.- scared about 20 sealions into the water),13 Ecotour boats,2 dive charter boats and 1 Fish charter boat-SeaStar- which we contacted via VHF to advise that they were approaching too close and disturbing wildlife ( sealions into the water and cormorants took flight)
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:03 PM
Author Archives: Carol and Mike Slater
Tour boats stiill out to the reserve
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 15.0 ºC »» Min. 8.2 ºC »» Reset 13.7 ºC
MARINE LIFE: 1 pair of Black Oyster Catchers spent several hours in the east bay area mostly preening and sleeping, heard no vocalizing at all.The geese flew in just after 10 am but stayed only about an hour before heading off towards Pedder Bay.
HUMAN INTERACTION: There were 26 Ecotour boats, 3 dive boats, 1 sail boat, 9 pleasure craft and the DFO 3M boat in the reserve.The Station boat made a trip to Pedder Bay and back.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:03 PM
Geese arrive
TEMPERATURE: ax. 16.5 ºC »» Min. 10.3 ºC »» Reset 12.9 ºC »» Rain 0.6 mm
MARINE LIFE: This morning the geese, all 7 flew in with much honking and spent most of the day grazing on the few patches of grass that have sprouted up thanks to the recent showers.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:42 PM
Turnstones and Orca
TEMPERATURE: Max. 17.0 ºC »» Min. 9.9 ºC »» Reset 15.9 ºC
MARINE LIFE: several groups of 20 or so Cormorants are spending part of the day on North Rks. and the rocks on the southeast of Gr. Race. There are now about 60 Black Turnstones busy along the shoreline, you can often see them on camera # 3 hopping among the sealions foraging for sand fleas or beach hoppers.Most of the time though they are farther down on the beach where the food supply includes small crabs which they find by ‘turning over pebbles and small stones’ thus the name Turnstone.There was one identified transient Orca, a large bull known as Y1 through the reserve about 10 am. There were 4 or 5 other Orca with him including a calf. These transeints came in from the west between North Rks. and Gr. Race. They spent a while foraging about not far off the dock then circled Gr. Race rather slowly before moving off to the northwest. At about 11:15 heard a report from one of the Ecotour boats that there was a group of residents in the entrance of Pedder Bay, did see some tail slapping and breaching but too far away to identify any individuals.
HUMAN INTERACTION: Second Nature in with supplies this morning. While the Orca were in the reserve 4 boats followed them which is contrary to the guidelines. 3 of the boats were fishing charters ,Beasley, Adams and Island Outfitters. The 4th was an unidentified 5 or 6 metre open Lifetimer.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:12 PM
Tidal fishing rules
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max.14.8 ºC »» Min. 8.7 ºC »» Reset 12.1 ºC »» Rain 0.4 mm
HUMAN INTERACTION: 1 Ecotour boat, 3 pleasure craft and Hyaku ( Garry with student and guest ) in the reserve today. At 11:40 noticed a rental boat with 2 persons, in the kelp bed at the east tip of North Rocks jigging, called the Marina and they sent out a staff member to advise of the No Take rules-although the Gov. issued rules on tidal fishing in the MPA are readily available some people are still choosing to ignore them.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:19 PM
Branded sealion #169
TEMPERATURE: Max. 15.3 ºC »» Min. 10.1 ºC »» Reset 11.8 ºC
MARINE LIFE: The small east bay is the favoured haul out spot these past few days for about 90 Harbour seals with the rest scattered about the other rocks. The Sea Lions are spread out also, a few preferring spots quite far inland.One California sealion by the dock has a semi-circle wound on the tip of his left front flipper and another is branded on his back #169. HUMAN INTERACTION: Even with the fallish weather there were 24 Ecotour boats, 4 pleasure craft and 3 Charter Dive boats in the reserve today. posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:09 PM
Whales and sealions
TEMPERATURE: Max. 14.1 ºC »» Min. 9.6 ºC »» Reset 14.0 ºC
MARINE LIFE: The chatter on the marine radio reported sightings of some Minke whales and also a Humpback but not unfortunately close to us. We did see several Orca a mile or so beyond the MPA boundries.This morning we counted 172 California, 9 Northern Sea lions hauled out on West, Middle and North Rocks. The group hauled out at the dock and along the north shoreline of Gr. Race still numbers 13-15 California and 2 Northern.Most of the day they spend sleeping but through the night get quite vocal. Most of the young gulls have stopped returning to the nest areas and are usually chased off by the adults.
HUMAN INTERACTION: There were 37 Ecotour boats, 2 Charter dive boats and 7 pleasure craft through the reserve today.Station boat to Pedder Bay and back this morning.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:27 PM
Visitors
Good evening! It was a very quiet day here at Race Rocks. No ecotour boats came in the reserve. Only one dive charter (Ogden Point) came into the reserve for two different dives. There were four visitors from Pearson College… we gave them a tour of the facility and information on the history and geography of Race Rocks. The weather was clear until the late afternoon when there were a few drops of precipitation. Interestingly, there were dark clouds hanging with what looked like heavy rain over Port Angeles while Victoria was sunny with a few clouds. Wind was west 10 – 12 knots. The seas were rippled. Chris, Jane and Morgan were out.
Several chicks have been blown into unfriendly territory
Thursday, August 08, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 15.9 C Min. 10.8 C Reset 13.9 C
MARINE LIFE: The gull chicks are growing rapidly, a lot of wing flapping, unfortunately getting airbourne has it’s risks.Several chicks have been blown into unfriendly territory ie- a neighbouring nest, been attacked and have died. Most of the wounds were around the head and neck. The chicks still unable to fly in any organized way, run but in a panic just get farther from the safety of their nesting area. The adults treat a chick from a neighbouring nest as they would any other threat to the safety of their own young, they chase and peck at it and of course the squawking attracts other gulls and so there is the helpless chick set upon by 20 or so adult gulls. Fortunately most of the time the chick is able to get to neutral territory and by trial and error make it’s way back to the relative safety of it’s own nesting area.Six of the geese were back this morning, one of the adults was missing – we know the missing one is an adult because the five young are still making the ‘peeping’ sounds and do not show the ‘threat’ behavior of neck waving and hissing. Just before 20:00 they flew off towards Pedder Bay, wonder what happened to the ‘missing’ goose? There was another group of California sealions in the area last night just after 2 a.m. – sounded like a larger group, maybe 15 or so judging from the barking
which woke me up but this morning counted only 6 floating about in the kelp.
HUMAN INTERACTION: There were 23 Ecotour boats and 4 pleasure craft in the reserve today.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:40 PM
TEMPERATURE: Max. 15.9 C Min. 10.8 C Reset 13.9 C
MARINE LIFE: The gull chicks are growing rapidly, a lot of wing flapping, unfortunately getting airbourne has it’s risks.Several chicks have been blown into unfriendly territory ie- a neighbouring nest, been attacked and have died. Most of the wounds were around the head and neck. The chicks still unable to fly in any organized way, run but in a panic just get farther from the safety of their nesting area. The adults treat a chick from a neighbouring nest as they would any other threat to the safety of their own young, they chase and peck at it and of course the squawking attracts other gulls and so there is the helpless chick set upon by 20 or so adult gulls. Fortunately most of the time the chick is able to get to neutral territory and by trial and error make it’s way back to the relative safety of it’s own nesting area.Six of the geese were back this morning, one of the adults was missing – we know the missing one is an adult because the five young are still making the ‘peeping’ sounds and do not show the ‘threat’ behavior of neck waving and hissing. Just before 20:00 they flew off towards Pedder Bay, wonder what happened to the ‘missing’ goose? There was another group of California sealions in the area last night just after 2 a.m. – sounded like a larger group, maybe 15 or so judging from the barking
which woke me up but this morning counted only 6 floating about in the kelp.
HUMAN INTERACTION: There were 23 Ecotour boats and 4 pleasure craft in the reserve today.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:40 PM
Aug 25-Aug 31
Saturday, August 31, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 13.8 �C �� Min. 8.9 �C �� Reset 13.5 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 7:15 PM
TEMPERATURE: Max. 13.8 �C �� Min. 8.9 �C �� Reset 13.5 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 7:15 PM
Good Morning
WEATHER: Sky Obscured �� Vis. 0 Miles Fog �� Wind West 12 Knots �� Sea 1 Foot Chop
posted by Carol or Mike S at 5:45 AM
WEATHER: Sky Obscured �� Vis. 0 Miles Fog �� Wind West 12 Knots �� Sea 1 Foot Chop
posted by Carol or Mike S at 5:45 AM
Friday, August 30, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.9 �C �� Min. 10.1 �C �� Reset 12.9 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:40 PM
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.9 �C �� Min. 10.1 �C �� Reset 12.9 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:40 PM
Good MorningWEATHER: Sky Part Cloudy �� Vis. 10 Miles �� Wind West 7 Knots �� Sea Rippled
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:34 AM
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.9 �C �� Min. 11.8 �C �� Reset 16.0 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:53 PM
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.9 �C �� Min. 11.8 �C �� Reset 16.0 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:53 PM
Good Morning
WEATHER: Sky Part Cloudy �� Vis. 10 Miles �� Wind West 15 Knots �� Sea 1 Foot Chop �� Remarks Vis. South East >> South West 5 Miles Fog
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:08 AM
WEATHER: Sky Part Cloudy �� Vis. 10 Miles �� Wind West 15 Knots �� Sea 1 Foot Chop �� Remarks Vis. South East >> South West 5 Miles Fog
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:08 AM
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE Max. 15.7 �C �� Min. 9.9 �C �� Reset 12.8 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:17 PM
TEMPERATURE Max. 15.7 �C �� Min. 9.9 �C �� Reset 12.8 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:17 PM
Good Morning
WEATHER: Sky Clear �� Vis. 15 Miles �� Wind West 11 Knots �� Sea Rippled
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:44 AM
WEATHER: Sky Clear �� Vis. 15 Miles �� Wind West 11 Knots �� Sea Rippled
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:44 AM
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE:ax. 19.0 �C �� 11.0 �C �� Reset 13.0 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 7:56 PM
TEMPERATURE:ax. 19.0 �C �� 11.0 �C �� Reset 13.0 �C
posted by Carol or Mike S at 7:56 PM
Monday, August 26, 2002 Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.0 �C �� 11.0 �C �� Reset 14.0 �C
HUMAN INTERACTION: 27 ecotour boats and 4 pleasure craft today.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:54 PM
HUMAN INTERACTION: 27 ecotour boats and 4 pleasure craft today.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:54 PM
Good Morning
WEATHER: Part Cloudy �� Vis 15 Miles >> Vis. South East >> South West 3 Miles Fog �� Wind West 23 Knots �� Sea 2 – 3 Foot Moderate
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:32 AM
WEATHER: Part Cloudy �� Vis 15 Miles >> Vis. South East >> South West 3 Miles Fog �� Wind West 23 Knots �� Sea 2 – 3 Foot Moderate
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:32 AM
Sunday, August 25, 2002
Good Evening
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.0 �C �� Min. 11.2 �C �� Reset 12.8 �C
MARINE LIFE: Occasionally see adult gulls feeding young, young that are as big as the parent gulls! Still a good supply of food fish. The young gulls are very noisy off and on during the night but the noise on the roof has diminished considerably.Look forward to the cleansing rains of fall, really notice the smell of bird droppings after being in town for a few hours and then returning.
HUMAN INTERACTION: 28 Ecotour boats, 1 dive charter and 3 pleasure craft today. Hyaku in, Ryan to say goodbye and Kiprop((returning for his second year) for a few day’s visit.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:18 PM
TEMPERATURE: Max. 16.0 �C �� Min. 11.2 �C �� Reset 12.8 �C
MARINE LIFE: Occasionally see adult gulls feeding young, young that are as big as the parent gulls! Still a good supply of food fish. The young gulls are very noisy off and on during the night but the noise on the roof has diminished considerably.Look forward to the cleansing rains of fall, really notice the smell of bird droppings after being in town for a few hours and then returning.
HUMAN INTERACTION: 28 Ecotour boats, 1 dive charter and 3 pleasure craft today. Hyaku in, Ryan to say goodbye and Kiprop((returning for his second year) for a few day’s visit.
posted by Carol or Mike S at 6:18 PM