Author: tmercer

Excellent visibility today at the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula allowed us to observe: * 23 southbound gray whales – 6 groups of 2 and 11 singles; one was a sub-adult swimming only 500 yards offshore; many whales fluked and backs were often visible * 51 harbor seals * 1 Northern harrier * 1 red-tailed hawk…

While hiking along the  bluff trail at the Sea Ranch, 1 southbound gray whale was seen. Yesterday’s challenging conditions continued today. Winds were blowing 13 mph and gusting to 21 mph. Many whitecaps on the ocean. At the Point ArenaLighthouse peninsula we observed:  * 6 southbound gray whales, 2 whales started as singles but eventually,…

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…

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…

 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!  *…

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…

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 *…

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…

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…

Today’s weather presented a true mixed bag with  ever changing conditions. We had some sun, a few squalls that produced wind, rain, and even a bit of hail. The ocean was choppy but overall visibility was good. At the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula we observed: * 1 southbound gray whale * 3 harbor seals (their…

Observations from the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula: * 2 southbound gray whales * 44 harbor seals * 2 Great blue herons * 1 American kestrel * 1 black turnstone * 1 red-tailed hawk Observations from Saunders Reef by Shari Goforth-Eby: Jan 2, 17:04: Gray whale South off Saunders reef, approx 5 miles. 3 blows, peduncle…