Wildlife notes

Everyday I hope to share news of a new elephant seal pup on Race Rocks. Instead of a story of new life, today I share one of death.  A California sea lion is decaying on East Beach.  I first noticed it a week ago. It had eyes back then. It is not uncommon for sea lions to die on this beach and there are various bones scattered about.

The East Beach black oyster catcher nest with three eggs (in the shadow) surrounded by old sea lion bones. Taken May 17th 2025.

Facility work

A lot got done today with Richards help.

• Batteries topped up
• generator fuel check
• sharpened axes
• Door to bunker rehung and now complete
• 5 um and carbon prefilters replaced on the desalinator, hopefully this helps with the low pressure readings.
• started installing new LED work lights in the basement of the Keepers House
• a bit of firewood got hauled up, the rest may have to be cut in place or brought up with a block and tackle

Visitors

Two groups of students with note books in hand and the marine biology instructor visited the island for a lecture.

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 2
• Private: 1

Weather

Another glorious day. Skies clear. Light to gentle easterly breeze. Daytime temperature 7 to 9 degrees.