Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
August 21, 2008
Wildlife again dominates the scene.
Report Details
Wildlife again dominates the scene. Male California Sea Lions are returning from the breeding grounds.The last molting male Northern Elephant Seal is on the beach of Shell Island.I did see a California Gray Whale along the reef 2 times the second and third day after my hike.With all of the Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals added in, there were probably 2,000 marine mammals in the area. Bird species were well represented.Some of the more unusual were 3 female Harlequin ducks,1 Red-throated loon, 1 Osprey, 9 Black Oystercatchers, 1 Great Blue Heron and 1 American Egret. There was over 100 Brown Pelicans as well.It was great to see 2 of the telescopes have been replaced on the viewing platform.They operate without having to put coins in them. Hopefully this will keep them from being stolen again!!! Litter and vandalism was down as well. Moderate human impact (13)-2 walking and 11 watching wildlife.
Conditions
Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW.
Human Activities
Number of people: 13. Walking or running: 2. Other Activities: 11 watching wildlife.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Notable Wildlife
Mammals:The California Sea Lions have started returning from their breeding grounds in just the last 1 1/2 weeks.Tagged CSL 319 C.1 male elephant seal is still here molting. Also large numbers of Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. About 2,000 total sea mammals.Birds: 3 female harlequin ducks,1 redthroated loon,9 black oystercatchers,100 plus brown pelicans,1 osprey,1 great blue heron,1 American egret flew by, many pelagic and double crested cormorants,2 turkey vultures,and assorted gulls.Seaweed:Kelp forests are in good shapeMisc:Detritus present
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Wood pieces.
Actions & Comments
1.The south restoration site for the bog lily is becoming over grown again.2.Many types and numbers of wildflowers on slides that have occurred in the past.3.Grafitti has been cleaned off the remaining bench on this mile.There was only one bottle at the bench,the only piece of litter on the trail.4.Two of the telescopes have been replaced on the sea lion overlook platform.They do not take coins,operate all of the time for public use.5.See midden materials along the north end og the mile.
D Bone
CoastWatcher
All Mile 118 Reports
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Shore Acres State Park is a lovely place, with beautiful vistas and hiking trails, hundreds of marine mammals visible at Simpson Reef Overlook, and a wonderful botanical garden.
GasiorowskiM
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Thirty-seven people were observing wildlife at Simpson Reef.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Wildlife was a major feature of this trip, as usual.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
I saw a total of 5 people.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Human Activities; 2 people walking their dogs and picking up trash, 2 people fishing, and 2 people watching wildlife.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
The little available beach on this mile is still closed for Harbor Seal birthing.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
Not much happening.
D Bone
Mile 118
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
A lady sketching seals and sea lions from the Simpson's Reef Viewing Area pointed out an Elephant Seal with two pups.
Pat&RobertaSmit