|
December 31, 2008 The full moon on January 11th brings some afternoon daylight low tides:
The Quadrantid meteor showers accompany the new year and may be seen in the early morning hours on Saturday, January 3rd. If the rain holds off and we have a cold clear night—expect 100–120 meteors per hour. The first Northern Elephant Seal pup was born on December 19th, similar to last year's timing. Docents at the Chimney Rock Overlook reported about 70 animals could be seen from that point with more arriving each day. Large males have been seen cruising along the Drakes Bay beach blowing bubbles and flipping their heads up. The first coho salmon are officially reported in the park; park at Five Brooks trailhead and walk down the road to the short trail to John West Fork creek for viewing. The first spawner surveys are being completed this week and we should have some numbers soon! Interesting report from the holiday bird count on December 20th, three bald eagle sightings over Tomales Bay (same bird three times or three birds is unknown)! These fish hunting birds were once abundant in this habitat, like peregrines and brown pelicans they have been impacted by DDT. Whether they will take up nesting and permanent residence remains to be seen! A nesting pair has been reported from the east bay at Dell Valle Park. Shuttle service and road closures to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock are coming up Thursday through Sunday, January 1–4, if weather is clear. The extra Friday was added to accommodate holiday crowds. December 23, 2008 Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers:
December 16, 2008 Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers:
December 16, 2008 Morning high tides return through the Solstice this weekend, all 6 feet or larger, through the rise of the new moon on Saturday, December 27th. Low tides in the afternoons for tidepooling at Sculptured Beach and Agate Beach:
Three, count them, three gray whales were seen on Thursday - the first of the annual migration. Typically, the first few are seen mid-December and the larger numbers are seen after the holidays. The extreme high tides last week cleared out the Chimney Rock viewing area of elephant seals but they too are expected any day in large numbers. Winter colors are the bright red sprays of berries dangling from native CaliforniaToyon shrubs (Heteromeles arbutifolia); also called California Holly and Christmas Berry; an extra nourishment for birds in the winter. End of the year park visitation for 2008 is up 2%, at the end of November 2,124,209 visitors were recorded at visitors centers and through road counters. Road closures and park shuttle busses begin on the first Saturday after Christmas, December 27th. The road to the lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas are closed on weekends and holidays through mid-April — only when the weather is clear. They will run Thursday-Fri-Sat-Sun of the January 1-4 weekend. Tickets sales are at Drakes Beach. Park visitor centers are closed on Thursday, December 25; roads and trails are open and patrol staff remain on duty. December 9, 2008 Subject: 2008 Holiday Open House 
Point Reyes Nat’l Seashore, Cordell Bank Nat’l Marine Sanctuary, Tomales Bay and Samuel P. Taylor State Parks cordially invites you to our 2008 Holiday Open House Refreshments provided by Point Reyes Nat’l Seashore Assn December 2, 2008 A bright full moon rising on Thursday, December 11 will obscure viewing of the Geminid Meteor showers next week December 12-18. For the Zuni of the southern states it is "Turning Moon," time to prepare soil for the spring planting. The moon brings several morning high tides of 7+ feet during the week - a good time to check out the Giacomini Wetlands. The winter solstice on December 21st arrives to officially begin the winter season. The past few days a lovely alignment of the crescent moon, Venus and Jupiter have graced the evening sky. The Tomales Point Elk Reserve is closed to hiking/public use today December 2 and Thursday, December 4. The elk made a break for it this weekend and fence repairs are being made! Rangers at the Lighthouse are looking for the first south bound gray whales of the year. A few Northern Elephant Seals have been seen from the Chimney Rock Overlook, the main colony is growing and the first large bulls will typically turn up by mid-December. The very western ends of Drakes Beach and South Beach are closed as they are each year; the closures are not near the parking/public use areas. The park welcomes everyone to the bi-annual Open House at Bear Valley Visitor Center on December 12 from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.; stop for a snack and to catch up on park projects. The Habitat Restoration crew is looking for volunteers on Sunday, December 14th to help with a big final push to remove ice plant from the ancient dunes at the Lighthouse. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Bear Valley Visitor Center to help with the effort. |
Last updated: September 18, 2022