Mammals:
Birds:
Barn swallow in flight
Saturday May 9th
Ecological Notes
Today was animal census day, so I spent some time trying to notice and count the various species around the island. Quite a lucky day to be looking around intently, because there were Bigg’s killer whales South-West of Race!
Northern Elephant seal (your local pancake)
Brown pelican
California sea lions having a cuddle puddle
Gulls
Pigeon Guillemot
The weather was absolutely beautiful today, and I found myself just appreciating being here. For example, I just love when the Olympic mountain range takes on all of these hues and layers of blue.
Olympic mountain range in the state of Washington
very lovely sunset
Facility Work
Weather Events
⋄ Wind (kts): max 19.2
⋄ Sunny clear skies
⋄ Air temp (°C): min 9.6, max 14.5
⋄ Sea state: glassk
Sunday May 10th
Ecological Notes
A quiet Sunday at Race Rocks!
Juvenile Bald Eagle!
Facility Work
Weather Events
⋄ Wind (kts): min 1.8, max 24.1
⋄ Sunny
⋄ Air temp (°C): min 10.3, max 15.0
⋄ Sea state: whitecaps
NB: All pictures were taken with a telephoto lens, which makes distant objects appear closer. All animals were photographed at a respectful and reglementary distance.
Mammals:
⋄ Steller sea lion: 3 (in the water, morning)
⋄ California sea lion: 21 (morning)
⋄ Harbor seal: 45 (morning) / 7 (evening)
⋄ Elephant seal: 5
Birds:
⋄ Brown pelican: 1 (morning) / 2 (evening)
⋄ Barn swallow: 1 (flying by)
⋄ Gulls: 95 (morning) / 315 (evening)
⋄ Cormorants: 26 (morning) / 280 (evening)
⋄ Canada goose: 8
⋄ Pigeon guillemot: 130 (morning) / 33 (evening)
⋄ Black oyster catcher: 9
⋄ Savannah sparrow: 1
Note: the animal census was done at 12 pm (“morning”) and 8 pm (evening) on May 9th, 2026.
Mammals
Although none today, Transient Orca have been seen regularly just outside the reserve
Mammals
Although none today, Transient Orca have been seen regularly just outside the reserve
Birds
Mammals
Birds
Mammals
Birds
Mammals
Count aided by Pearson College students
Birds
Mammals
Count aided by Pearson College students
Birds
Mammals