Ecological Notes:

• As noted previously, there was a drop in all animals and birds during/after the storm surge, but they are starting to return
  
• No elephant seals have returned yet …. checking past blogs, this is not uncommon, but was still hoping there would be some here before I leave!
  

Facility Work:

• In addition to weekly battery electrolyte top ups, cleaned the tops of the batteries and did an extra mop up of the floor
  

• Due to heavy winds and rain from the north, and the old door still in place, the battery room flooded and needed a full mop out
• After an initial clean out, debris is starting to fill the boat ramp area again. Many logs rolled right over the jetty!
• Did a full strip down of the jetty electric fence for now

• Sticking as close to the proper times as possible, daily salinity and temperature readings adjusted to get safely out onto the jetty

DND events:

• One blast Monday morning
  

Noted Vessel Traffic:

• High winds kept boats out of the area
  

 Feature Event:

•  As there are ongoing concerns about the battery readings, I’ve gone to a hybrid running pattern……. leaving the system on “Auto” to avoid shutoffs from sudden low voltage readings, but shutting off and switching to “Manual” when the batteries reach 100% to avoid extending float charges (sometimes as long as 4-5 hours extra.)
  
• Consulting with  technicians on further adjustments and battery corrections

Weather Events:

• Monday, December 16:
  • Sky:Bright overcast with small clear spots
    
  • Wind: N 20-25kts, dropping in the afternoon
  • Sea: rippled, wind against tide chop north of reserve
    
  • Temperature Low 4^oC, High 8^oC
• Tuesday, December 17:
  • Sky: Foggy until mid-afternoon, clear and sunny to overcast, mix of cloud and sun by afternoon
    
  • Wind:NE 5kts veering E to 35kts mid day, back to NE 10kts  by evening
    
  • Sea:  3 ft swells mid day, large swells rolling into the jetty area
    
  • Temperature Low 4^oC, High 9^oC
• Wednesday, December 18:
  • Sky:Clear overhead, some low cloud and mist in the distance,
    
  • Wind: W gusts to 50kts early morning,dropping over the day to 10kts
    
  • Sea:  2 ft chop, dropping to smooth by late afternoon
    
  • Temperature Low 8^oC, High 12^oC

** Any wildlife photos taken at the furthest distance possible, and may be cropped to improve detail! **

Weather – Current:

http://www.victoriaweather.ca/current.php?id=72

Weather – Past:

http://www.victoriaweather.ca/station.php?