Mile 118 Report
Cape Arago, Simpson Reef, Shell Island, Sea Lion Viewpoint
March 30, 2008
Variety of wildlife species was abundant although numbers of some were not great (California and Steller Sea Lions).
Report Details
Variety of wildlife species was abundant although numbers of some were not great (California and Steller Sea Lions). Cycles of the season were in effect with the Gray Whale migration (100 observed passing this mile during Whale Watch Week) and pregnant Harbor Seals in great evidence and the fact that the 1 Northern Elephant Seal pup has not been seen for 2 weeks (should have gone to sea). Four female and one male Northern Elephant Seal on Shell Island.Vandalism was limited to the release of 6 goats from a research project. As a note, the telescopes that were taken from the Shell Island viewing platform were found dumped from a bridge over a slough. Trail area was VERY clean this time, and all storm damage is off of the trail. Area was wet, even muddy in places but was stable. Although Golden Eagles aren't generally seen on the coast, 2 adults were seen last summer, and my observation indicates that at least 1 is still here. Also 6 Turkey Vultures, 1 Harlequin Duck, 2 Black Oystercatchers, numerous Pelagic Cormorants and numerous Surf Scoters were seen. Moderate human impact (7)- 3 walking and 4 observing wildlife. 2 dogs.
Conditions
Temperature: 57 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 7. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 3. Other Activities: 4-Observing wildlife.. One dog was not on a leash.Found dog vomit on the trail-no attempt had been made to clean it up.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 4.
Notable Wildlife
Over 100 Gray Whales were observed passing this mile during Whale Watch Week.Less than 100 California Sea Lions present and only 2 Stellar Sea Lions.Large number of pregnant Harbor Seals and yearlings.Saw 4 female and 1 male Northern Elephant Seals.Previous week I had seen 2 juvenile Bald Eagles feeding on Shell Island and had 1 adult Bald Eagle and 1 adult Golden Eagle fly over.Also saw 6 Turkey Vultures,1 Harlequin Duck,2 Black Oystercatchers, numerous Pelagic Cormorants, and numerous Surf Scoters.
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. One Harbor Seal dead on Shell Island Beach.
Driftline Content
Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).
Actions & Comments
1.The bog lily restoration biologist had a pen of 6 goats as an experiment in keeping down the brush in a portion of the study area. Someone turned them loose. As of this report,they had not been recovered.2.State Parks closed North Cove early(mid-Feb)to protect wildlife on that beach.
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