Tag Archives: elephant seal

Many Boats Afloat

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Weather

  • Visibility: 15+ miles
  • Wind: 0-10 knots NE
  • Sky: mix of sun and clouds
  • Water: rippled, later some gentle swells

Epic Sunrise

Ecological

  • As many as 10 elephant seals on Great Race today.
  • Counted at least 4 elephant seals on Middle Rock.

One big family

Maintenance/Chores

  • Pretty standard day.
  • Solar Panels remained unusually clean.
  • Ran the desalinator in the evening.

Boats

  • There was a near continuous stream of eco-tours today.
  • I saw at least 6, plus many fishing boats doing their own observations.
  • One dive boat was anchored near South Rock.

Mid Month Shift Change

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Weather

  • Visibility: 15+ miles
  • Wind: 0-10 knots
  • Sky: sunny with clouds
  • Water: 1′ chop

Ecological

  • There were 8 elephant seals on Great Race today.
  • In the afternoon, 5 of them headed down to the ramp for a dip, but none of them departed.
  • There seem to be less seagulls and cormorants than last time I was here.
  • By contrast, there seems to be more songbirds and ducks.

Maintenance

  • Everything seems to be in good order. Spent the afternoon unpacking and settling in.

Boats

  • Kyle picked up Anne around 10:00, and brought me out to Great Race around 11:00.
  • Saw one eco-tour in the reserve.
  • Several fishing boats out of the reserve.
  • A tug towing a large barge passed by the Rosedale Rock.
  • Another tug towing what looked to me like a pile driver passed to the north of the reserve.

Last Blast on Bloghorn

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Weather and Sea Conditions

North wind, 15 to 20 knots replaced the overnight southeaster and brought cool moist air and overcast skies for the morning today. In the afternoon light winds were variable and turned to light west by early evening. The barometer spent the day crawling out of the hole it was in and by 18:30 was around 1008 hPa. The sky cleared and brightened by evening. A strong wind warning is in effect. The marine forecast for central Juan de Fuca Strait calls for west wind to increase to west 20 to 30 knots early this evening and then drop to west 10 to 15 by early Friday morning. It is expected to be cloudy tomorrow with a 30 percent chance of showers or drizzle and a predicted UV index of 3, or moderate. Sea conditions were calm today once the overnight storm and morning wind chop settled down. As evening starts the wind is moving and the chop is starting again.

Vessel Observations

Three whale-watching operators were observed working in the protected area today and more passed close by through Race Passage heading out to the west and back. One sports fishing vessel was observed transiting the reserve today.

General and Ecological Observations

One Steller Sea Lion 319Y, branded on her left side, was observed hauling out on South Rocks today. She was marked as a young weaner at Rogue Reef in the very southern part of Oregon in 2013, so she is almost 3 years old.

The old male River Otter has taken to napping under the back staircase of the main house in the mornings now and one of the positive things about this new habit, is that it keeps the geese who were interested in nesting there away from the stairs.

This is the end of my shift, my last blast on the blog-horn and it is a little bittersweet to be leaving just as elephant seal show-time starts and spring develops more fully. I leave tomorrow and  want to wish the best to this wonderful Ecological Reserve, which was started by students and faculty at Pearson College. Those folks were brave enough to fight for this place, they had the fortitude and vision to found Race Rocks as a protected area. In BC, Ecological Reserve status is the highest level of protection given, by BC Parks. Fisheries and Oceans Canada protects the water area, as a Rockfish Conservation Area, so jurisdictionally that covers the sea bottom, islets (BC Parks) and the water (Fisheries and Oceans), and makes Race Rocks a de facto marine protected area (no caps).

Of course this is also a special Indigenous place with an intersection of cultures and a complex history of use and ownership by different families, groups and Nations. This is a unique, socio-ecological place to celebrate and protect. From its human history to its natural history, lets make sure that Race Rocks remains a marine protected area and is able to provide ecological education and research opportunities for future generations of British Columbians, as well as Pearson College.

Today was animal census day and the results are posted below.

2016- 14-Apr

River Otter 2

Sea Otter 1

Northern Elephant Seal 11

4Harbour Seal 170

Northern Sea Lion (Steller’s) 72

California Sea Lion 99

Canada Goose 22

Brandt (flying through) 350

Harlequin Duck 8

Surf Scoter 6

Common Merganser 1

Brandt’s Cormorant 2

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Pelagic Cormorant 14

Cormorant (not ID’d to species) 5

Bald Eagle (juvenile) 8

Bald Eagle (adult) 4

Killdeer 0

Black Oystercatcher12

Black Turnstone 54

Surfbird 5

Rock Sandpiper 2

Glaucous-winged Gull 560

Common Murres fly through 9

Rhinoceros Auklets flying 6

Pigeon Guillemot188

Northwestern Crow 2

Savannah Sparrow 2

Barn Swallows4

Chores and Visitors

Today was cleanup day in preparation for departure tomorrow. Other chores were routine and there were no visitors.

All the best goes out to Riley, Eco-guardian for the next six weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slow Day at the Race

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Weather and Sea Conditions

Light southeast winds kept the skies grey today but clouds were high and there was no noticeable precipitation at sea level. A new dusting of snow, high on the Olympic Mountains informed the chill in the air. By evening, winds had backed to northeast 10 to 15 knots. The barometric pressure dropped steadily starting after midnight last night and at 18:30 was around 1001 hPa and still falling. The marine forecast for central Juan de Fuca Strait calls for a repeat of this morning southeast 10 – 20 knots increasing to westerly 15 to 25 Thursday afternoon. It will be cloudy with a 60 percent chance of showers in the early morning followed by a mix of sun and cloud. Sea conditions were fairly calm with a light inshore chop, rougher out in the strait and in collision with current generated turbulence.

Vessel Observations

Three whale-watching operators were observed working in the protected area this morning and one was observed in the evening. One sports fishing vessels was observed transiting the reserve today.

Ecological and General Observations

Afternoon low tides reveal Race Rocks’ high diversity and productivity of seaweeds and marine invertebrates. Many of the birds depend on the table being set when the tide is out and for millennia, the indigenous people who used the area did the same. The rock cairn burials here are a daily reminder of the human significance of the site going above and beyond the history of the lighthouse.

Back to birds, Black Oystercatcher totally depend on the riches of the intertidal. The Black Turnstones here are the only ones I have ever seen foraging in the garden but otherwise they and the Surfbirds are intertidal feeders as well.

There are eleven elephant seals moulting in the garden now and their faces are really starting to peel.

Chores and Visitors

Alex is back, the roof patches were revisited and more blown shingles were retrieved from the latest blow. Other chores were routine and there were no other visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evergreen

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Weather and Sea Conditions

Light northwest winds backed and veered bringing waves of silver and leaden clouds. Showers were visible from far away, travelling with the wind and tied across the Strait with rainbows, tops of arcs obscured in cloud. In spite of being overcast and chilly, the high was 11o C, there were brief periods of intense sunshine and the UV index was very close to 4 (moderate). Accumulated solar energy was low, about half of what we have been receiving. Just before dusk there was an intense downpour accompanied by winds over the 30 knots. It was short-lived but may foretell of what the forecaster are calling for by late morning. The barometer remained fairly steady today at ~1015 hPa but is expected to drop with the passage of a low that will bring southeast winds and showers tomorrow. Sea conditions were rough at times out in the Strait today but generally there was just a light chop inshore.

Vessel Observations

No vessels were observed in the protected area today.

Ecological and General Observations

An influx of 14 more Canada Geese kept the established geese busy on their own wild goose chase today. There were many running and aerial chases and clashes. These seem to be new animals with different behaviours than the ones who have been so doggedly determined to nest here for the last six weeks.

Many flocks of 100 to 200 Brant were observed moving through the reserve from west to east and I wonder if these are still flocks that have travelled up the coastal flyway from California and Mexico.

Harlequin Ducks are rafting up in strings of birds and moving around more than they have since I arrived nearly six weeks ago. They are usually so site-fidel that you can almost predict where they will be.

Black Turnstones continue to be the most common shorebirds on Great Race. Seeing them forage everywhere on island is a good reminder that this is essentially an inter-tidal island. Their plumage is looking new and shiny, ready for their big northern migration.

The late spring elephant seal moult is definitely in full swing now and the animals are catching up on sleep and using stored blubber to see them through the moult. Sea Lions continue to haul out on South Rocks every morning. The male Californians are also well established on Great Race in the two haul-outs near the two houses.

Work was routine today and there were no human

visitors.

 

 

Moulting is Itchy Business

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Weather and Sea Conditions

After a hesitant start, with locally overcast skies and fog to the southeast, the sun was blazing by afternoon and it stayed that way into the evening. The UV index rose to almost 6 today, which is high. The wind started at 15 to 20 knots from the west, dropped and turned to the south and southeast and then returned to west15 to 20 knots by early evening. The barometric pressure stayed fairly steady between 1005 and 1010 hPa. The forecast calls for the westerly to increase to 15 to 20 early this evening and to 20 to 30 late this evening, then to drop to 5 to 15 knots late overnight. They expect a similar wind pattern tomorrow with more cloud.

Vessel Observations

Seven whale watching vessels were documented working in the protected area today and most followed the rules. One yellow zodiac exited past West Rock heading west, at high speed. Better communication is needed about boundaries, limits and a reminder about keeping at least 100 meters away from marine mammals might be helpful. I know these ecotourism operators want this good thing to last.

Ecological and General Observations

A nice low tide this morning exposed all the beautiful new seaweeds of the season. Bull kelp is growing fast and the Mazzaella splendens is a rich, iridescent burgundy colour. Fresh kelps like Alaria, Laminaria and Cymathere triplicata festoon the rocks in the lower intertidal areas. Up high, the more ephemeral species of nori and sea lettuce are starting to go reproductive and lose their ‘bloom’.

A high density of grazers, keeps the seaweeds in check and feeds the gulls and oystercatchers.

More elephant seals arrived today bringing the number moulting in the garden to eight. On land they are the epitome of lethargic. It is a real treat to watch them in the water, they are so graceful and languid as they chase and roll and spin in slow motion. I also see the River Otter and Sea Otter daily, which is always interesting. The Sea Otter hung out with the Harbour Seals today while they were hauled out on South Rocks. He just floated a couple of metres away as they slept on the rock. He dozed in the water, using the back eddies to stay close. Later he positioned himself in a back eddy that kept him almost stationary, while meters away the current that blasted past at almost six knots. Very savvy sea otter.

There were a lot of shorebirds today, about fifty Surfbirds, a few Rock Sandpipers and a couple of Dunlin. The Black Turnstone numbers are swelling too so I think the migration is happening. The turnstones I watched foraging seemed voracious.

Fog in the Morning

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Weather and Sea Conditions

There was thick fog in the morning and it took longer to clear than yesterday. The fog bank which came in from the west coast was more extensive today. According to a scout who called from the top of Mount Finlayson, the fog extended down towards Seattle and up through Haro Strait. By early afternoon, there were clear blue skies and sunshine. Wind was light and variable picking up from the west at sunset, to 15 -20 knots. Sea conditions were calm other than the large tidal movements, which make it rough in the narrow and constricted areas.

It was sunny enough once the fog lifted, that the UV index reached a high of 5 (moderate). Barometric pressure stayed fairly steady at about 1005 hPa. There is a strong wind warning in effect on the marine forecast for the Central Juan de Fuca Strait and the forecast calls for westerly winds of 10 to 15 knots increasing to westerly 20 to 30 early Sunday afternoon.

Vessel Observations

No whale-watching vessels were observed working in the protected area today. Transient (Bigg’s) Killer Whales elsewhere kept them busy. Several sports fishing boats went through the reserve, slowly and respectfully.

Kyle takes visitors for a tour around the Ecological Reserve.

Kyle takes visitors for a tour around the Ecological Reserve.

Kyle, the new Pearson College foreshore person, brought visitors out for a tour around the reserve in Haiku, but did not land.

Ecological and General Observations

Now there are five young, male, Northern Elephant Seals ashore on Great Race. They are just starting moult on their faces, around their mouths. They spend most of their time asleep in the garden but squidgle down to the water for a swim in the afternoon, taking their time coming and going. I saw the Steller’s Sea Lion 433Y again today on South Rock. The two species of sea lion seem to be separating out from each other a little more, with better defined separation of haul-outs.

Three pairs of Canada Geese that we had been keeping off the island,  took advantage of the cover of yesterday’s wind to move in. The males are very belligerent and aggressive enough that they are going to be difficult to move. This could be fun.

Other birds that continue their pair bonding and nesting rituals include the Black Oystercatchers, Pigeon Guillemotts and Glaucous-winged Gulls. The Black Turnstones may be getting ready to migrate, as they seem to be taking flight together more than usual, going for wheeling spins off the island. They move very quickly and together as a living unit, flashing their black and white in flights away and then back to the reserve. The Bald Eagles continue to roost and hunt, seemingly all day, everyday.

Sunlight levels were high enough to generate extra electricity for laundry and making fresh water, with the de-salinator, in spite of thick fog until early afternoon.

Chores were routine. There were no visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

Salt Air

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Weather and Sea Conditions

It was another day dominated by the west wind, starting in thick fog and then partially clearing. Wind strength was significant, ranging from 20 – 25 knots in the morning then rising to gale strength with strong gusts over 42 knots by mid-afternoon. It was still blowing 35 – 40 knots at 18:30. Sea conditions were rough with breaking waves, dense streaks of foam and lots of salt spray in the air.

It turned out to be fairly sunny and the UV index was moderate, reaching 4 by mid-afternoon. Barometric pressure dropped slowly to 1008 hPa by early evening. The forecast calls for moderate easterly breezes by tomorrow morning, rising again to west 10 – 15 by Saturday evening.

Vessel Observations in the Protected Area

Two whale-watching vessels were observed working in the protected area today. I took a photo of the first one to show it as being exemplary in not approaching the South Rocks haul-outs closer than 100m but the exemplary part was completely blown out of the water when the operator sped off diagonally across the reserve.

I felt sorry for the passengers, it was an open boat and the people in the bow looked miserable, were soaked and had their heads down before he started speeding into the wind and seas. Gusts were over 42 knots at the time, the current was running against them at four knots and they were doing about 20 knots in the boat. Add those speeds together and it converts into their passengers taking salty slaps in the face at well over 100 km/hour. I took a few more photos through the window to keep the salt spray off this camera, document the alleged infraction and give the company, Orca Spirit Adventure an opportunity to change its ways. It says it is a green company, so no doubt it will take this seriously.

It is worth noting that many of the pinnipeds normally hauled-out ashore, were in the water today due to the high winds. I hope the speeding vessel didn’t strike any of them with this reckless driving. I know that visibility in that sort of wind and spray warrants slower travel, not faster. From a safety perspective, add log hazards into the mix they should consider themselves lucky to come back healthy and whole. Last seen heading west.

There was one low overflight this morning but it was moving quickly and I did not get an image.

Ecological and General Observations

Two young male Northern Elephant Seals came ashore after the females left yesterday and they returned this morning with two more. They have been asleep, lounging in the garden all day. The few birds left on the island today were hunkered down trying to not be blown away by the furious westerly. (I have included some photos from yesterday in today’s gallery in order to save the camera.)

Sustainability, Chores, Visitors

Sunlight levels were high enough to generate lots of electricity, in spite of morning fog and afternoon high overcast.

Chores were routine. There were no visitors.

 

 

 

 

Lighthouse Garden Heritage

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Weather and Sea Conditions

At Race Rocks today, winds were light and variable from the south and southeast, at first under overcast skies and eventually under brilliant sunshine. The barometric pressure was still high (1025hPa at 18:30), but dropping now and there is a strong wind warning in effect. Light winds are predicted to increase to east 15 knots early this evening, build to east 15 to 25 after midnight and drop again Thursday evening. Thursday will be sunny and warm with a moderate UV index of 5. Except for the usual races, tidal currents, rips, standing waves and over falls, sea conditions were calm today.

Vessel Observations

This may be a better position for viewing, although still very close and there are animals in the water, near the boat, which has propellors turning to maintain position.

This may be a better position for viewing animals on South Rocks, although still very close and there are animals in the water, near the boat, which has propellors turning to maintain position.

Only two whale watching vessels were observed working in the protected area today and neither of them passed between Great Race and South Rocks. Several sports fishing vessels passed through, and there was no fishing observed in the protected area. One small inflatable was observed speeding in the protected area. This vessel came to the jetty later and they were informed about the speed limits and restrictions on going ashore.

Ecological and General Observations

Nothing really new to report here other than two more female Northern Elephant Seals arrived ashore today and several more were visible on Middle Rock. These animals will be starting their moult soon and building bone density for important winter haul-out activities of giving birth, nursing and mating. Remembering last year’s elephant seal plant crushing activities, motivated me to take photos of some of the lighthouse heritage garden plants on the island.

There are photographs below of the river otter den mentioned yesterday. Tomorrow will be animal census day.

Most chores were routine today. There were no visitors.

 

Re-runs

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Weather & Sea Conditions

Light, variable winds and overcast skies were the norm for most of today. The sun came out in the early evening but total accumulated sunlight levels were way down from the highs of last week. Of course this also meant a low UV index, which barely reached 2 today. The barometric pressure climbed steadily from a low of 1010 on Sunday, to over 1030 hPa today and tomorrow’s forecast calls for more sun and a moderate (5) UV index. Light winds are predicted to continue, rising to 15 knots Wednesday afternoon. Except for tidal rips and current driven standing waves, sea conditions were calm and rippled today.

Vessels

Six whale watching vessels were observed working in the protected area today. One of the larger yellow vessels took chances with safety and wildlife security, ignoring common sense and rules, by barging through the narrow, shallow passageway between the South Rocks sea lions haul-out and Great Race. They were lucky, they missed the shallow rocks and the sea lions were disturbed but did not stampede.

Why is it always the same company that pushes the limits? Not all of their operators take these kinds of risks but it certainly makes one pause and wonder: what kind of leadership allows this to happen repeatedly?

Very few sports fishing boats were seen today except in the distance at Constance Bank and Beechey Head. One was observed passing through the protected area (not fishing), near Rosedale Reef.

Ecological and General Observations

Ecologically it was the day of the goose. The time has come, (the Walrus said), for egg laying to start, whether nests are built and territories staked out, or not. There was a certain desperation and pandemonium amongst the geese today leading to much honking, numerous chases, physical battles between the males and general goose drama. They are here to stay, like the California Sea Lions.

Everything else seemed to proceed as usual; sea lions and seals slept. Beulah crushed the beds where I picked tulips yesterday and then moved over behind the boat-shed. The river otter continues to use his two story, rock, otter spot and ‘decorates’ the walkway with evidence of his fish predation. The gulls seemed more settled and there seemed to be fewer marauding eagles. Black Oystercatchers are all in pairs in the same areas where they nested last year, through most of the day. The Pigeon Guillemots spent more of the day ashore and were still here in the late afternoon. The Harlequins were busy fuelling up for their move to the mountains.

A true sign of spring, the bull kelp could be seen reaching the surface at low tide. Soon there will be beds of kelp around each rock making it easier for the skippers to see the underwater hazards that are compounded by ‘the race’. The Sea Otter made a brief appearance and appeared to be itchy. Maybe he was just doing his daily ritual of grooming to keep his fur impeccable and impenetrable to the ocean’s cold.

Chores were routine today. There were no visitors.