Weather: the wind kept up most of the day and this evening is currently a gale (33 knots) from the west, clear until 6 pm and the fog bank has rolled in. I found ear plugs!

Facility

With a brief reprieve from the wind this morning (20 knots) I  cleaned the solar panels. Not sure if the ones on the ground are being used but cleaned them as well (see very dirty “before” picture below).

I also cleaned the house windows and started cleaning the lighthouse. Although it is maintained by the coastguard I enjoy it so much it feels respectful to clean it. I began with the lamp room and am working my way down the stairs. I am not sure if they have been swept since I was here last. Very satisfying.

Vessels

3 whale watching boats near Race Rocks seen today.

Wildlife

I was up in the lamp room for sunrise and at 5:15 a.m. I saw the female elephant seal heading for the water. I wasn’t sure if she was aware of the electrical fences but she went right down the ramp and avoided them. She returned at 7:50 a.m. The male ES looks like his muscles are wasting, particularly his shoulder girdles. (See photo below.) I am hoping the electrical fences do not KEEP him in!

At low tide I was entertained by a river otter and her pup feeding on the rocks.

I am getting to know the young gulls and their parents and by keeping up a continual conversation while walking outside I can often get by without any of them taking flight. There are 2 almost fledged chicks that sleep under our pathway and even those parents let me pass without lifting today.

Race Rocks really is a place of life and death. Most of the pictures celebrate life. Today I came across an adult gull eating a chick. All of the ecoguardians witness death while here, and injury. I tend to record the pleasant experiences but I am moved by the unpleasant ones too.

I also include a photo of a young brown headed cowbird (Thank you Ann Nightingale!).

very white solar panels!

He looks so thin, for an elephant seal!

Hard to watch