Have had some really nice weather out here since the storm. Pelicans are still stopping in and flying through the reserve, mostly in pairs or singles. Bald Eagles have been quite active in the mornings hunting.
On top of the crane, the eagle had just finished eating what looked like some part of a seagull. In this picture the eagle’s nictitating membrane is covering the eye. According to Baldeagleinfo.com, “every three or four seconds, the nictitating membrane slides across the eye from front to back, wiping dirt and dust from the cornea. Because the membrane is translucent, the eagle can see even while it is over the eye.”
A few nights ago Zeke got some fresh wounds on his back from Misery, it was not as bad as the the last time. Him and Misery have been on the main island for several days now. I have not been seeing as many female elephant seals since the storm.
On Dec 19 there were 15 Green Winged Teals in a pool on the NE side of the island. This is the first recorded sighting of this bird in the reserve.
There has also been a Mallard duck in the reserve for over a week. Pam Birley first sighted it around Dec 18th, it was also the first recorded sighting of this bird in the reserve.
Yesterday after sunset a lone adult orca passed through the reserve going over Rosedale Reef.
