Yesterday we saw the HMCS Calgary and HMCS Regina (both Halifax-Class frigate vessels). They passed by in the early evening.
One or two fishing vessels hanging around the border of the reserve
Ecological:
Today we found three newly established goose nests. So far they each have 2-3 eggs.
The young seal pup has officially flown the coop! We haven’t seen her in a few days.
There are quite a few seagull nests beginning to take form. They are becoming more defensive of their established areas and make quite a ruckus when we walk through.
We finally caught a photograph of the wandering tattlers that we have been observing!
Sea lions on outcropping rocks
Trash gathered around the island: Litter that birds have accidentally ingested, plastics that wash ashore, and old construction materials.
Goose nest with plastic tape fragments, styrofoam, and other trash collected from the intertidal and other animal activity.
A new goose nest near the house: One of these things is not like the other!
This little one is beginning her moult.
The flag is back: We lowered it during the high winds to prevent plastic material shedding.
This smoke has been rising since this morning near Port Angeles
This jumping spider paid us a visit yesterday
Featherduster tube worm “tubes” at low tide
The seagull takeover is on the horizon
Gumboot Chiton spotted in the intertidal
HMCS Regina
HMCS Calgary
We have been seeing this boat every few days.
Olympic Mountains over the power building
Pigeon Guillemots perching
The elephants seals took advantage of the good weather to get a good soak.
Two kayakers in the reserve yesterday- very respectful of the wildlife, well done folks!
One pleasure craft yesterday that drifted around the reserve for quite a while (at least an hour)
A few “drifting through” pleasure crafts/off shift whale watching boats sprinkled over the past two days
We spotted the HMCS Regina heading into Pedder Bay
Ecological:
We found another goose nest yesterday underneath the back steps of the main residence containing 8 eggs. We noticed that the nest near the desalination structure has been looted by seagulls and abandoned.
The seagulls continue to arrive and establish their nesting spots. There are roughly 50% more gulls this week.
Two juvenile gulls spent yesterday in the reserve. We didn’t observe them catching or eating anything.