After five days of inclement weather (rain, fog, wind, flooding) we finally returned to the cliffs today at the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula. On this cool, sunny, slightly windy day we observed:
* 4 southbound gray whales – one group of two and two singles; blows were wide and bushy, staying close to the surface and blown down quickly, backs and heads were visible
TOTAL GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE = 366 southbound
While observing and counting the harbor seals at their large haul out site, I noticed an unusual bird foraging on the rocks. I believe it was a leucistic black oystercatcher! Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.
* 80 harbor seal
* 1 great blue heron
* 1 red- tailed hawk often being harassed by two ravens
* 3 American kestrel
* 1 Ferruginous hawk
* 5 meadowlarks
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