Recent Sightings

Conditions for observing were ideal today.  Calm seas, no wind, good distinction between sky and ocean.

At the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula we observed:

* 19 southbound gray whales! (our highest count to date!) –

 1 group of four, 3 groups of two,  9 singles (reminder, gray whale groups are temporary and will break up and re-form during the migration)

most of these whales raised their flukes before diving, their backs were often visible, one whale lifted its body and above the surface and did a belly flop and a few moments later, did a half breach

 * 63 harbor seals

 * 2 black oystercatchers

 * 1 great blue heron (in flight and hunting on the bluff)

 * 4 American kestrels

 * 2 red-tailed hawks

 * 2 Northern harriers

 * 1 Ferruginous hawk

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE: 46 southbound

Sea conditions were calm and visibility was excellent to the horizon. Slightly hazy at times.

Observations from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula:

* 5 southbound gray whales; two traveling together, 3 traveling solo; 1 fluked,  long dives by all

 * 54 harbor seals

* 1  California sea lion hauled out with the harbor seals

* 1 great blue heron

* 4 killdeer

* 4 black oystercatchers

* 3 American kestrels

* 1 gopher

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE: 27 southbound

Today we had no visibility due to a thick and persistent fog. At one point at the Point Arena Lighthouse, the fog cleared briefly and we did spot one gray whale traveling south!

We also observed:

* 6 harbor seals swimming around their haul out site

* 1 great blue heron

* 1 red-tailed hawk

* 2 American kestrels

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE =

22 southbound

Observations from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula:

 * 5 southbound gray whales

 *21 harbor seals

 * 2 red-tailed hawks

 * 3 American kestrels

 * 1 great blue heron

    GRAY WHALES TO DATE:   21 southbound

Observations from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula:

 * 4 southbound gray whales, 2 traveling together, 2 traveling solo

 * 6 harbor seals swimming around the rocks at their haul out site which was covered with high surf

  * 1 kingfisher

  * 1 Ferruginous hawk

  * 1 red-tailed hawk

  * 2 American kestrels

 * 3 black oystercatchers

 *3 black turnstones

 * 1 Great blue heron

   Gray whales seen to date: 16 southbound