Recent Sightings

Conditions today were windy, with wind speeds at 16 mph with 29 mph gusts and the ocean was covered with whitecaps. Conditions were challenging .  The blows of whales were batted down quickly.

At the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula we observed:

 * 9 southbound gray whales, 1 group of 2 whales traveling together and 7 traveling solo

 * 44 harbor seals

 * 2 American kestrels

 * 1 Great blue heron

* 2 black oystercatchers

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE = 78 southbound

Today we had more wind and haze compared to the previous two days but visibility was still good.

At the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula we observed:

 * 6 southbound gray whales – 2 groups of 2 and 2 singles

 * 71 harbor seals

 * 2 great blue herons

 * 2 Ferruginous hawks

 * 3 American kestrels

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE:   69 southbound

 Another day of near ideal conditions at the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula allowed us to observe:

 * 17 southbound gray whales – 1 group of 4 which spread out into four individuals as they moved along southbound through our observation area;  2 groups of 2; 9 traveling solo; two whales did a full breach!

 * 49 harbor seals

 * 1 great blue heron

 * 1 Ferruginous hawk

 * 2 red-tailed hawks

 * 3 American kestrels

 * 4 killdeer

 * 3 black oystercatchers

GRAY WHALES SEEN TO DATE: 63 southbound

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