Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
June 26, 2010
Area is as expected this time of year.
Report Details
Area is as expected this time of year. Migration of Ca Sea Lions doesn't seem to be in full swing because of the numbers that are still here. Stellar Sea Lions have moved into the area. Many mother/pup pairs of Harbor Seals noticed as well as yearlings. One male Nothern Elephant Seal is in for the molt.(There were females molting when last here 3 weeks ago.) Saw 3 gull nests. Also saw Black Oystercatchers in the area of a previous nest site. Thirty-six people observing nature. Four people walking. Three dogs.Note 1: A pod of 3 Orca were seen at Simpson Reef 2 weeks ago. Note 2: 6 weeks ago,I saw a pod of 4 Orca at Simpson Reef.
Conditions
Temperature: 61 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N.
Human Activities
Number of people: 40. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 4. Other Activities: nature observation.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 18.
Notable Wildlife
1 male Northern Elephant Seal has arrived and is molting. Many mother/pup combinations of Harbor Seals. Still hundreds of Ca. Sea Lions that have not left for their breeding grounds. Also,hundreds of Stellar Sea Lions. Observed Black Oystercatchers in the same area that nesting has been observed. Saw 3 Brown pelicans.
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. Ca Sea Lion below the observation platform at Simson Reef.(Saw vultures eating on it.)
Driftline Content
Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Wood pieces.
Natural Changes
Light erosion from the winter erosion just south of the viewing platform at Simpson Reef.
Actions & Comments
Beach is closed so we can't go pick up litter.
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