Mile 117 - Cape Arago, Drake Point, North Cove - June 7, 2008

Report Details

During pupping season the North Cove is closed. In addition, the Center Cove is not easily accessible, so all observations were from the cliff tops.Seasonal bird changes include the return of Turkey Vultures and Pelicans, and the departure of the Harlequin Ducks. On almost every visit we see a single Great Blue Heron fishing in the north cove pools. Many Violet Green Swallows and Western Gulls. From the cliff tops we saw no Black Oystercatchers although there are usually quite a few in the north cove. Six Harbor Seals with pups on beach. Many sea lions in water and on rocks. One of the sea lions on the rocks at the south end of the north cove had a fishing lure stuck (hooked) in its mouth. (See attached photo)This was reported by Diane and Dave Bilderback to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Moderate human impact (10), looking at sea from cliff tops.

Conditions

Temperature: 71 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 10. The people we saw were all looking out at the sea from the cliff tops.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8.

Notable Wildlife

2 Turkey Vultures6 Harbor seals with pups on beachMany sea lions in water and on rocksMany Pelicans1 Great Blue HeronMany Violet green swallowsMany Western gulls

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Sea lion with fishing lure in its mouth. The animal was having a hard time snoozing. Every time it nodded off the lure would catch on the rocks and its head would jerk up like a person caught nodding off at the opera. Photograph included.

Driftline Content

No Comment because no access this time of year

Actions & Comments

No access to north cove at this time of year.From the cliff-top we did not see anything unusual.The heavy drift-line (feet thick in some places) was washed away over the winter and has not returned.