Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The new moon rising over the holiday weekend continues the annual pattern of spring daylight low tides:

Three snowy plover nests are currently being observed with high hopes for success! No reports have been received for park beaches on any dead cormorants though they have been appearing to the south in Golden Gate NRA. Speculation on the cause of deaths is related to possible lack of ocean food due to temperature changes and large scale wind storms.

The freshwater otters who appear to be residents at Abbots Lagoon are being sighted on a regular basis from the trail. The local population is believed to have originated in Estero Americano and has been moving south up the Lagunitas Creek watershed and overland to the lagoon, plentiful fish and frogs to keep them well fed.

Velella velella or "By the Wind Sailors" are making their annual appearances on Drakes and Limantour Beaches; the dried bodies of these hydroids look like heaps of cellophane in the wrack line on beaches. The blue bodies are eaten by various birds and they do not sting. The shifting spring winds drive them up on the beach where they dry out.

All park visitor centers will be open on Monday, May 25 Memorial Day holiday. A short service is scheduled for Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Lifesaving Station Cemetery off Sir Francis Drake Highway and the Historic Boathouse at Chimney Rock will be open later that day between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Tomales Beach boat in restrooms are opened this week for the season.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Early risers this week will be rewarded with Eta Aquarid meteor showers arcing across the sky, peaking Wednesday and then diminishing by Mothers Day, this shower originated from Haley's Comet. The full moon rises May 9 with a few early morning daylight low tides:

That most hardy of shorebirds, the snowy plover, has one nest being monitored this year—so far. Enclosures of string and metal fencing along the Great Beach are reminders of where they are attempting to nest, please avoid these areas, look for the annual closures signs especially from Kehoe Beach South to North Beach.

Springtime is also the beginning of annual bat monitoring—a healthy 212 Townsend Big eared bats in the first Olema Valley counts; spotted owl nest counts in older growth woods are also positive this year! The usual sign of spring at Bear Valley—the gopher hunting great blue heron appeared last week.

This week is also peak harbor seal season—Bolinas Lagoon and the Estero Trail are good spots to observe from a safe distance. Or the newly repaired film at Bear Valley Visitor Center has some great images of onshore antics of these marine mammals.

A permit for 100+ people at the Bear Valley Picnic area has been issued for Sunday, May 10 between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Expect congestion in this area.

New photography show at Bear Valley Visitor Center is nature images by Kevin Shea going up this week!

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers:

Subject: Park Wavelengths- Hypothermia Seminar 5/9 @ Red Barn

Hypothermia – Effects, Preparation and Precautions for Cold Water and Cold Weather

Point Reyes Outdoors in collaboration with the Point Reyes National Seashore is presenting a seminar: Hypothermia – Effects, Preparation and Precaution.

This presentation is designed to give participants a more complete understanding of hypothermia. Topics discussed will include: how to prepare for boating on cold water, hiking in damp cold areas, how to recognize symptoms in yourself and others, and steps to surviving potentially life-threatening situations. The evening will include presentations by PRNS Search and Rescue, Point Reyes Outdoors Kayaking and Safety Instructor Ted Brechbill, and The Cold Water Boot Camp Video used by the Coast Guard. Attendees will leave with vital information on how to prepare and safely enjoy outdoors adventures both on land and on the water.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 6:30pm

Costs: Free

Participants: Everyone is welcome

Where: The Red Barn Conference Room, Park Headquarters, Point Reyes Station

Contact: Laurie Manarik, Owner

Phone: (415) 663-8192, (415) 663-9405

Email

Laurie Manarik
Point Reyes Outdoors
PO Box 1498
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
TEL: 415-663-8192
FAX: 415-663-8330
email
www.pointreyesoutdoors.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers

Subject: Invasive Plant Management on the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Area

Today contractors started mowing areas targeted for Invasive Plant Removal near Inverness Park. Mowing and hand removal tasks will continue on the east and west pasture through next week.

All mowed areas have been surveyed for bird nesting, and where nests are found, the contractor will maintain a 100 foot buffer.

Attached is the sign that will be posted on the Giacomini Signs. (120 KB PDF)

Thanks,
Brannon Ketcham
Hydrologist
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
(415) 464-5192

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