This “fancy” California Brown Pelican looks like he is ready for the Macy’s Parade. He was, actually, in a bit of trouble: entangled in kelp. We wouldn’t say it was dire, but the long plant-strand made it difficult to fly (obviously not impossible) and certainly would have upset his diving routine. There was not much we could do but watch as the bird flew offshore. We do hope a bit of twisting and turning does the trick.

The pelican was not so lucky, but we were today. There was scattered rain in the area, even some hail challenging freeway drivers. It did not rain on us, however; and we managed a lucky seven-count of northbound Gray whales, and we saw two southbounders plus a trio of Humpback whales outside Platform Holly. It was our first Humpback sighting for the year.

We also recorded Pacific Whited-sided and Bottlenose dolphins which were foraging in the same area.

We also entered a few Harbor seal sightings.

This week, many new Observers are having their first shifts on the Point, with plenty of training to help them join the Counter team. One asked if we see otters here. We wish we saw more, and we keep hoping, but none (again) today.

We had further luck with the wind that accompanied the brief storm. There was not much until late in the day, when we all got some training looking for passing juvenile Gray whales swimming into a stiff breeze.

Gray whales northbound (all) 11 | Calves 0 — 2015 Count 042 | 000

Hours 7:29