There were visitors, a fresh water delivery and a technician from Veridian to inspect and trouble shoot issues with the solar panels.

I wore my helmet today as it was required to lay out the fire hoses. The hoses run from the Water Tank Shed, across the fields, walkways and rock down to the Jetty where the boat and portable water tank are tied up. There were may gull nests to weave the hose around and they were not pleased with me. Sometimes one can carry a small broom over your shoulder as a target for the swooping gulls but this job required two hands. I was spared a direct head strike this time. After the hose was place and I left, they simply went back to their nests or on look out duty. The elephant seal however was very unsure of the hose. To avoid it, she went the long way around from the field to the walkway intersection to make her way to the water via the walkway to the Fuel Tank Shed.  When she discovered the hose there as well, she went back up to the intersection and took the other walkway to the Boat Shed instead. She clearly has a good mental map of the place.  With all the effort and the lack of options, she braved the last section of hose on the boat ramp to make it to the water. The hoses were left in place as the next water delivery is scheduled in two days.

The female elephant seal on Day 8. She is almost there.

In terms of other wildlife, four pelicans did a tour over the eastern part of the island and headed back across the straight to the east. As I watched them approach, their dark colour and size and their lengthy periods of soaring alerted me to fetch the camera. It was been a while since a pelican last visited.

Brown pelicans

Also of note, the egg thief, or at least one of the culprits responsible for the growing patch of shells revealed himself with a new egg. No distinguishing features or obvious marking so it would be hard to put on a “Wanted” poster…last seen with a wet beak. I watched him walk away and stand near a female a nearby nest. He’s from the neighbourhood! The number of scattered egg shells at the front of the house is also increasing.  Why they deposit them near the house, like proud cats with their catches, is curious.

It seems the other female elephant seal “Silky Smooth” has left for good and is now back in the sea. The last sighting and photo of her was on June 9th. I will miss watching her.

Facility work

The solar technician found two failed solar panels and replaced many of the corroded wire connectors. Tomorrow we will have a better idea how our solar input has increased with the new connectors.

• cleaned solar panels
• laid out fire hoses and water pump

Visitors

The park warden, marine biology instructor, two seafront staff, the solar technician and one visitor were on the island today.

Weather

Steady westerly moderate breeze until mid afternoon, then increasing to a strong breeze with gusts of 30 knots. Skies clear with periods of overcast conditions. Daytime temperature: low 10, high 16.