Mile 118 - Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint - July 29, 2012

Report Details

I saw a total of 5 people. Two were hiking with 3 dogs. The other two were watching wildlife. In addition there were 10 sport fishing boats.According to Shoreline Education for Awareness wildlife interpreters that I talked to yesterday, the California sea lions have just started returning from the breeding grounds. There were 3 female N. elephant seals going through their molt on Shell Island. Stellar sea lions, Harbor seals, and 1 gray whale were also observed. I observed 2 Bald eagles (the SEA folks saw a golden eagle 2 days ago), 1 turkey vulture, and 1 osprey as well as Pacific loons gulls, and pigeon guillemots.Physically the area was normal. There was some styrofoam and 3 small timbers on the beach. I was unable to tell if there was any chance any of it came from Japan.

Conditions

Temperature: 57 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W.

Human Activities

Number of people: 5. Number of dogs: 2. There were also 10 sport fishing boats off the coast of this mile.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

California Sea Lions (CSLs)-according to Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA) wildlife interpreters I spoke with yesterday, the numbers have just gone up as a result of CSLs returning from the breeding grounds. 3 female N. elephant seals, Stellar seal lions, harbor seals and 1 gray whale. 2 Bald eagles, 1 osprey,1 turkey vulture. Also Pacific loons and Pigeon guillemots (Note-a Golden eagle was seen 2 days ago).

Driftline Content

Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Styrofoam.

D Bone

CoastWatcher

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Mile 118

Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint

August 22, 2022

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