Magdalena Bay
This morning we ventured out into the Boca de Soledad once again to do some whale searching for the remaining gray whales. After a long season of birthing, mating, raising young, and tread milling the tidal changes, the female whales are ready to depart and begin the long journey north to Alaskan waters for the summer time feeding frenzy. Some will be accompanied by their young but large offspring, some will be pregnant and for the next year will gain weight as fast as they can for next years delivery.
The day was not all about a member of the largest fraternity of sea creatures though. We made our way south through Hull Canal, enjoying views of the many shore birds that inhabit the shallows of the mangroves, these include the belted king fisher, white ibis, and great blue heron. Once the ship had traveled out of the narrow confines of the canal and towards the opening of the bay, called La Entrada, a curious streak of red was seen ahead. As we handed out snorkel gear for the swimming stops on the rest of our journey, we noticed over the sides of the ship the long streaks of color that were comprised of pelagic red crabs! These creatures are seen in large numbers at times as they reproduce and shed their exoskeletons. The pictured long red collections of shed outer body coverings were of great interest to the many sea birds that roam the waters of La Entrada. The pelagic red crab is a major food source for not only the birds but the marine mammals that roam this portion of the Pacific. Our guest lecturer for the trip from Duke University, Larry Crowder also explained that the crabs are a food source for the varied sea turtle species found here as well.
Our day ended with a wonderfully flat transit of the open Pacific Ocean as we headed south to finisterra or lands end.
This morning we ventured out into the Boca de Soledad once again to do some whale searching for the remaining gray whales. After a long season of birthing, mating, raising young, and tread milling the tidal changes, the female whales are ready to depart and begin the long journey north to Alaskan waters for the summer time feeding frenzy. Some will be accompanied by their young but large offspring, some will be pregnant and for the next year will gain weight as fast as they can for next years delivery.
The day was not all about a member of the largest fraternity of sea creatures though. We made our way south through Hull Canal, enjoying views of the many shore birds that inhabit the shallows of the mangroves, these include the belted king fisher, white ibis, and great blue heron. Once the ship had traveled out of the narrow confines of the canal and towards the opening of the bay, called La Entrada, a curious streak of red was seen ahead. As we handed out snorkel gear for the swimming stops on the rest of our journey, we noticed over the sides of the ship the long streaks of color that were comprised of pelagic red crabs! These creatures are seen in large numbers at times as they reproduce and shed their exoskeletons. The pictured long red collections of shed outer body coverings were of great interest to the many sea birds that roam the waters of La Entrada. The pelagic red crab is a major food source for not only the birds but the marine mammals that roam this portion of the Pacific. Our guest lecturer for the trip from Duke University, Larry Crowder also explained that the crabs are a food source for the varied sea turtle species found here as well.
Our day ended with a wonderfully flat transit of the open Pacific Ocean as we headed south to finisterra or lands end.
