Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
September 28, 2010
About 2,000 marine mammals were on Shell Island.
Report Details
About 2,000 marine mammals were on Shell Island. Over half were Steller sea lions,a few Harbor seals,and the rest were California sea lions. Saw 4 Black Oystercatchers,8 Harliquin Ducks(7 males,1 female),and 4 Brown Pelicans. Saw only 1 Turkey Vulture as this is when they migrate. Many cormorants were in the area. The bench that had been destroyed and thrown into the ocean has been replaced. It has been relocated next to the main trail. A fence has been constructed to limit access to the point where the bench was originally located. As much as the bluff is being undercut,I believe this to be a good idea! The North bench has been completely cleaned of all writing. The lily restoration plots are becoming over grown.
Conditions
Temperature: 58 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N.
Human Activities
Number of people: 12. Other Activities: Trying to observe marine mammals.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Notable Wildlife
About 2,000 marine mammals were observed on Shell Island when the fog lifted. Over half were Steller Sea Lions,a few harbor seals,and the rest were California Sea Lions.4 Black Oystercatchers,8 Harlequin Ducks,and 6 Brown Pelicans.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass. a few plastic bottles
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