Flamingo!

Every now and again, we get very, very unusual visitors at Elkhorn Slough. This time it is a pink Greater Flamingo! We have been watching this bird for nearly a week now from the tour. Mostly on the mudflats of seal bend but also in the water near Kirby. These birds are not native, not even from this coastline. However, this is not the first time flamingo was observed here, there were two others in the 80s. Nearly all are escapees from a zoo or park. This specific bird has a pale yellow leg tag which we reported. If it is identified we will report it here at this blog entry.

Romance on the Elkhorn Slough

This handsome fellow commerated the last day of the year by surprizing his girlfriend of two years with his proposal of marriage. Captain Yohn and crew were in on the secret plan. The Captain picked a perfect spot to stop the boat, requested a volunteer to help him, the Captain chose her, and Captain positioned her on the bow. Then, the groom to be also went up, got down on one knee, opened a red ring box, and he asked her sincerley. She said yes!! Everyone including the sea otters were delighted. We wish them a wonderful marriage and many, many happy years together.

Favorite Time of Year

Whether you like birds or sea otters or just plain beautiful vistas, the crisp clear days of fall and winter are just a favorite time to be on the Elkhorn Slough. The softer sunlight makes for wonderful photographs and memories. This tour group watched flocks and flocks of birds moving about the mudflats of the tidal channels, it was awe inspiring. The numbers of birds are the highest in the fall and winter.

Bird Migration

The numbers and variety of bird species is increasing rapidly on Elkhorn Slough right now, as it always does in autumn. We are seeing all sorts of migrators from these tiny sandpipers to all sorts of waterfowl. However, these little migration experts are some of our favorites. They travel great distances on a diet of tiny worms! It is a Fall celebration of wildlife in the wetlands.

All the World

People come from all over the world to see the wildlife on Elkhorn Slough. They are in search of a particular bird, marine mammals, and the playful otters. They come and take photos of the wildlife and scenery and our crew. Sometimes they take video for TV shows in Germany, Australia, Japan, Denmark, United Kingdom, Canada, China and many others. This Japanese visitor insisted in having her photo with Captain Yohn and said the otters and pelicans were her favorites.

Egret

These beautiful birds are sighted frequently on Elkhorn Slough. They stand very still watching for bait fish to capture and eat. It is challenge to see them in all the different behaviours while on a tour. Stalking, flying, preening, wading, nesting, and competing for territories.

Pelicans of Summer

One of the summer highlights is the large numbers of California Brown Pelicans at Elkhorn Slough. The slough is a major roosting and resting location for these birds which were nearly wiped out by the use of DDT pesticides in the past. We also see lots of the much larger White Pelicans who tend to organized together for fishing.

Crab with Otter

Our passengers are always forwarding amazing shots of the sea otters. Here they captured an otter tangling with a kelp crab. We do not often see otters with crabs in the Elkhorn Slough, generally their diet is on clams and large innkeeper worms. This day after much yipping from the pinching, the otter did finally get his crab meal.

Weddings

Our Captain Yohn officiates at weddings. He has married couples on board the Safari boat with sea otters as witnesses, married couples at the Captain's Inn bed and breakfast, and married people around Monterey Bay. The Captain dons on all his regalia and uses his fine voice to take the couple through their vows and blessings. Couples have even used "nautical poetry" in their service such as "having a love as constant as the tide". Captain comments, "It is a pleasure and a privledge to share in such happy times with people."

Sea Otter Photography

"I have traveled all over the world to photograph wildlife and Elkhorn Slough Safari's operation presents some of the best photo opportunities I have ever experienced. Between ESS's stable, flat bottom boat, Captain Yohn's expertise and the abundance and variety of wildlife, you just can't beat this. And for photographing sea otters in particular, this is quite simply, the best shooting in the world. " --Suzi, photo expert and guide, this is her photo of a mother sea otter with her pup in her arms

First Seal Puppy

This week we observed the first harbor seal pup of the season. All spring long, we see many slough babies such as this harbor seal pup. When new, they are cute wrinkly little guys yipping for their mama. It sure fun to watch them try to get their bearings and to nurse. Pups will continue to be born through mid-May.

Sea Lions

"This is a group of California Sea Lions, from the boat you can hear their characteristic barking sound", comments naturalist Rachel. These animals are quite common here and often put on a display that makes you laugh. While generally here most of the year, their numbers are particularly high just before and after big waves in the winter.