New updates on our feathery friends at the Elkhorn slough Reserve! The female Great Horned Owl is busy right now with the birth of her baby chick!! I was just able to see the nestling owlet (white and fluffy and oh so cute!) before it went back into hiding inside the owl box.
(here’s mom, trying to take a short nap while I struggle to take a good pic) 🙂
Also, the Canada Geese are having their goslings as well! I started seeing them last week, but wasn’t able to get a good scope picture until now; thankfully they were pretty calm on the water, so it was easier than last time when they were trying to hide their chicks among the pickleweed.
( so cute had to include twice!)
( part of the slough where picture was taken).
But while some species seem to be increasing in number, most of the peeps seem to have decreased; there are fewer Black Bellied Plovers now than in the past two weeks, and less Semipalmated Plovers as well. The Western and Least Sandpipers however, have decreased the most; from the past two weeks being near the thousands, to this week less than 140 a flock. It seems that the high majority has already taken off, migrating towards Alaska for breeding season (sending them your way Alex!)
On a different note, this Saturday was Team OCEAN’s kayak safety class! A small group of four of us met at Kayak Connections, a small kayak shop near fisherman’s wharf in Monterey, CA. From 9am-5pm, we were learning about how to sit in a kayak, adjust and finally practice paddle strokes and wet exits while getting out into the ocean. It was beautiful weather and amazing to be so close to the wildlife aiming to protect, while at the same time learning so much with our awesome tour guides. And although I was sore the next day, it was truly a memorable and unforgettable experience.
