Ecological Notes:
- 3 Female Elephant Seals. 2 nursing pups, and 1 expecting to give birth any time now.
Newest Female Elephant Seal, arrived Jan 19
- 2 Elephant Seal pups nursing and growing very fast! The smaller pup is 7 days old, the large pup is 24 days old.
Moms and Pups
- There are now at least 10 pairs of Canada Geese, display territorial behaviour prior to nest site selection.
- With the aid on binoculars, still able to spot an Adult Humpback and calf in the separation zone, south of the reserve
- Orca passed back and forth in front of the pier, as well as circling the main island, appears to have taken a younger Sea Lion in the process.
1 of the group of 3
Visitors:
- The Marine and Seafront Operations Coordinator brought groceries, plywood, and fuel over 3 trips. Also aided in log retrieval for firewood
- Also transport 2 people from the IT Department to continue troubleshooting the internet system.
DND events:
- Some detonations over the last few days
Noted Vessel Traffic:
- 3 or 4 Ecotourism vessels enjoying the sights and sound of the reserve
- 5 Private vessels, 1 rental from a local marina
Noted Infractions:
- The rental vessel circled the main Island 3 times, quite close to the rocks, then went through the main channel at full speed when departing
- Vessel was approached by the Marine and Seafront Operations Coordinator (who was on his way here with deliveries), and the rental location was politely contacted by phone. They will remember to let their customer know about the guidelines for Ecological Reserve at Race Rocks.
Feature Event:
- Have spent lots of time working with Media requests around the birth of the second Elephant Seal pup ……. all requests vetted through the Pearson College Director of Communications
- For anyone who may have missed it, here is the link to the Video on the Pearson College YouTube channel:
Recent Weather included a mix of overcast and sun, seasonally mild temperature, and only one day of rougher seas to 1 meter waves.
Weather – Current:
http://www.victoriaweather.ca/current.php?id=72
Weather – Past: