A warm welcome back!
Ecoguardian Notes:
- Derek is happy to return to fill the role as Ecoguardian here at Race Rocks, after spending the summer and fall season exploring the Salish Sea as an Ecotourism guide. A special thanks to Jill for leaving the reserve and facilities is such tip top shape!
- (lack of photos due to no reliable internet, and running this through a phone hotspot)
Ecological Notes:
- Dramatic mid week reduction of Sea Lions
- Working to convince the Sea Lions to not use the ramp area, as pregnant Elephant Seals could be returning in the next month
Visitors:
- During the Ecoguardian exchange and transfer, Greg delivered firewood and supplies
- Greg brought out the IT manager to work on the internet and router system.
Facility Work:
- Attempted repairs to the Desalinator system, realizing more parts were needed.
- Ongoing troubleshooting of the Internet and wifi system.
- Main official Weather Station on the tower has been not in operation for a week or so, awaiting outside support for repairs
- troubleshooting the “local” station at ground level as it lost wind direction sensor during the high wind storm Friday Nov 04.
- Although the were in good repair earlier in the week, the electric fences now need major repairs, but waiting for the wind to die down after the stormy weekend
DND events:
- Many detonations on Wednesday Nov 02. Prior to them, I noted 10 to 15 Humpback whales between the reserve and the detonation area. During the blasting, most, if not all, moved west to just beyond Beechy Head. They returned to the area the next day.
Noted Vessel Traffic:
- Canadian and American EcoTour vessels visiting the reserve, including regular visits from one company doing an educational program with elementary school children.
Weather Events:
- Sunny and warm, with relatively calm seas, on November 1st for transfer day!
- Yesterday (Friday, November 05):
- Sky: Thunder Clouds throughout the day, mixed with high cloud cover
- Wind: Variable, 15-30knts during the day, rising to 50knts in the evening, gusting to 65knts
- Sea: 2′ – 3′ chop, larger swells developing as the wind rose in the evening
- Temperature Low 7oC, High 10oC
- Sky: Thunder Clouds throughout the day, mixed with high cloud cover
- Today (Saturday, November 05):
- Sky: Shifting between clear skies to high overcast with heavy rains and the low pressure system rolls though. Large hail mid afternoon.
- Wind: W/WSW 25-30 kts
- Sea: 2-3 foot waves
- Temperature Low 5oC, High 8o
- Sky: Shifting between clear skies to high overcast with heavy rains and the low pressure system rolls though. Large hail mid afternoon.
** All wildlife photos taken at the furthest distance possible, and may be cropped to improve detail! **
Weather – Current:
http://www.victoriaweather.ca/current.php?id=72
Weather – Past: