September 14 , 2003 – paddling the slough

As usual, Harbor Seals are resting at their haul-out in Moss Landing Harbor, just across the way from the boat ramp and kayak put-in.


A Caspian Tern looks jaunty against a backdrop of fog, boats, and jetty rocks.



September is prime time for Brown Pelicans in the slough – they stop over here on the way to their breeding grounds in Baja.


They line the shores and spend hours just looking cool.

As usual, they make the most of their flexible necks in preening.


While the pelicans preen, the otters groom. This one spent many minutes at the task.


Here it's the coifure that gets attention.


And now the back feet are tended to.


These Least Sandpipers were hunting in the meanders of Rubis Creek.


Also in Rubis, a good look at a Curlew in the pickleweed.

Who knew seals were this buoyant? Actually, of course, they are resting on the mudflat, which had become submerged as the tide came in. Today the seals were hauled out near the south end of Rubis Creek rather than at their usual hangout at Seal Bend.

And at Seal Bend was a group of resting White Pelicans, which seem more and more at home in the slough these last few years. The heads of some of the immature Brown Pelicans, like the one in the foreground, appear almost black.

For the capstone photo of the day, click here. If you're partial to paddlin', here are photos from another outing in May.