We set a daily count record for Gray Whales Count.

Unfortunately, the person in charge of the Count Board didn’t get it right. The count for today was actually 65 and the total Count for the year is 228. The Counter effort was extraordinary.

We won’t comment on the the Project Coordinator’s mathematical ability ...

Counters

9 to 11 11 to 1 1 to 3 3 to 5

Mark Dilley Mary Duke Stan Roberts Laurie Hammack

Phyllis Dilley Clay Duke Richard Kentro Stan Roberts

Carol Rae, Education Coordinator, provided exceptional information about Gray Whales Count, the whales and their migration, and the exceptional environment of the Coal Oil Point Reserve. Carol is in the picture with Stan and Laurie at the end of the very full day.

Michael Smith, Project Coordination, managed the Count Board.

We are often asked “How close do the whales come by?” At this time of year, our reply is “just outside the kelp and as far out as we can see.“ Today, a gray whale passed through the surf zone, between the kelp and shore. Several whales were more that two miles offshore. Today, they used the whole field. It was wonderful.

In addition to all those whales, we found our otter in the Isla Vista kelp. A lobster boat crashed through the kelp, and the otter choose to relocate in the kelp closer to us, where we also found a harbor seal.

Very fun day.

NORTHBOUND

All gray whales, including calves 65 | Calves 0 — 2019 Count 228 | 0

Time Counting: 8h 00m