Evening report by Anna:

Although we typically go out into the field in the mornings, it is important to sample otter behavior at all times of day, during all tides and weather. Today we departed Pacific Grove in the early afternoon and planned to stay in Moss Landing harbor, observing raft until just before dinner. When we arrived at the state beach parking lot, only four of the otters were in the usual rafting place, the group had moved out into the harbor channel, apparently evading some kayakers that were approaching a little too close. Sarah and Jill began 5-minute behavioral scans on Area 2 while Brian and Lynn scoped out the channel where we typically find otters foraging. Most of the otters we found were grooming and traveling out to open sea. As we watched one leave the channel, Brian and Lynn spotted a bird on the water that was behaving unusually, flapping its wings on the surface, although not really going anywhere. I walked out on the jetty for a closer look, and found that it was entangled in some fishing gear. Brian joined me on the jetty to take photographs, but unfortunately, we couldn't reach it. We called California Fish and Game dispatch to attend to the situation, so hopefully someone got out there after we departed. Please remember to take care of your fishing gear!

When we walked back to the parking area to check on Sarah and Jill, there was a baptismal ceremony taking place at Track Beach!! There were lots of onlookers singing and clapping, and we watched the guy submerge into the slough water. After the crowds dispersed, Sarah and Jill continued to observe Area 2 while Lynn, Brian and I scoped out Areas 6, 8 and 9....no otters taking an evening swim.

Lynn and Brian then took over the behavioral scans so Sarah, Jill and I could walk the beaches, scanning the surf for our favorite cetaceans. And Jill spotted them! Although I don't know how she saw dorsal fins while sticking her nose in bull kelp....(photo coming soon)