Today started overcast and foggy but cleared by noon and stayed sunny and warm until the spectacular sunset. The outflow winds were light to moderate and mostly southeast during the day and have now dropped to a light northeast breeze with clear starry skies. The barometer took a dive today and that may be reflected in the forecast of cloud and rain for next week. One last day of sunshine forecast for tomorrow and then more fall-like for the equinox.

There were only three tour boats today and a few recreational fishers.
Large flocks of Thayer’s Gulls can be seen feeding on zooplankton right along the edges of the kelp beds, now. Maybe they will inspire the Glaucous-winged Gulls to get out and about instead of picking through sea lion poo. It was hard to see what exactly the Thayer’s Gulls are feeding on but the strong currents really kick up food to the surface.

These planktivorous Thayer’s Gulls are picking zooplankton out of the surface water kicked up by the tide.

The California Sea Lions seem to swim effortlessly underwater and are really fast. Here is a photo of one gliding above the surf-grass Phyllospadix scouleri, in-shore of the beautiful bull kelp, Nereocystis lutkeana.

This diving California Sea Lion is cruising over gorgeous surf-grass. going with the tide inside the kelp bed.

I worked more on the brand data and photographs. I have taken way too many photos and need to clean up the folders. I also cleaned more windows, raked hay for the compost, brushed walkways and ran the desalinator on solar power as well as the usual fence mending and generator running. A quick trip to Pedder Bay for recycling and fuel rounded out a busy day.