Observation date: 3 March 2014
Stormy waves across the inlet Photo by Heather O’Connor
Video: February storm 2014
Access to Morro Rock has been severely restricted due to extreme weather conditions with gale force winds. Not only was the gate locked to the south parking lot, but a police officer with flashing lights and loud speaker kept everything and everyone out, even to foot traffic. The waves coming into the harbor entrance were three to four feet high half way to Target Rock about 1/4 mile into the harbor. At high tide neither north nor south jetties were visible most of the time.
The gate was opened at 2PM today, Monday. Before that I was able to ride my new recumbent trike out to see the birds.
Bob with very new trike Photo by Heather O’Connor
They seemed to be where I left them four days ago. The female standing on the “diving board” and the male on the lip of the “waterfall” hole. The rest of the week looks good for observations. I should have something better to write about than the weather.
Cleve Nash, Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch photographer, visited the Shell Beach falcons and said, “After a brief interlude with the tiercel the female retired to the nest site. Incidentally, this is the same one she used last year.
Happy trails, Bob
Item: Buy the time Heather posts this, Clara will have laid her second or third egg at San Jose City Hall. San Jose City Hall falcon web cam: http://tinyurl.com/y4yey7j
About the weather: After three years of drought, we welcome the blustery winds and deluges here in California. It is a well needed gift that we appreciate and would like more of!
Good to know there was some rain in the Morro Bay area and other surrounding towns. We in Pennsylvania still have snow on the ground with record breaking low temperatures last night, probably near 4F. Have fun on the new bike! Carol Trego, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Thank, Carol. Bob is thoroughly enjoying his trike! We could use some of your precipitation, but the jet stream is flowing the wrong way. Spring will be coming soon for you, I’m sure. Stay warm and cozy ’till then. ~ Heather