|
|
All Point Bulletin - Wild Again At The Point
posted on July 30, 2008
Lifeforce work has been featured once again in the All Point Bulletin.
The original All Point Bulletin version can be viewed HERE.
-------------------
From tiny, almost invisible Dungeness crabs to the very large, very visible Humpback whales, Point Roberts is alive with an incredible diversity of wildlife.
While fishers (and orcas too) are looking for those depleted salmon stocks to return; a look into the marina waters could reveal hundreds of thumb size creatures that are actually Dungeness crabs who begin their first five molts as active swimmers prior to their more familiar crab look and bottom walking behavior.
The bird species seen recently include the Northern Harrier flying in the park and west side marina fields, Osprey and a Turkey Vulture looking for food around the marina, eagles and herons almost everywhere especially during low tides off the west and east sides, barn swallows swooping to catch flies in the park and marina, and finches, sparrows, and numerous others in the bushes and trees around the Point. The Mallard Ducks are growing up but still under mom’s watchful eye.
The lone offspring of the marina eagles has be doing an “eagle dance” flapping wings and jumping and will most likely be flying by the time you read this article. The four Barn Swallows have left the nest at the park restrooms but are still being fed by the parents while sitting on their “picnic” log (also see Lifeforce Nature Moments – Barn Swallows and other nature videos).
A Fawn
Recently, a doe and her fawn stopped traffic on Tyee Drive on their way to the field behind the Texaco. One local man was concerned that “coyotes got the baby” but was relieved to hear that mom and baby are doing well.
Orca
The orcas spent a lot time off Vancouver Island in July, but June 22 was one of the best orca days with J, K and L pods passing Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts. I had hoped that the orcas would be in this area because a school of large salmon passed earlier heading north towards the orcas. The first group starting passing at 11:15 and the second group were following about one hour later. The second group was the most active. In fact, I have not seen these orcas being so active and so close to shore. Multiple breaches, head views (aka “spy hop” but they don’t hop and are not FBI spies), tail fluke slaps and other social behaviors. The land-based adventure lasted two hours and park visitors left with special memories.
Gaining momentum is the Lifeforce online petition to Governor Gregoire to get more enforcement and a half-mile No Boat Zone off Point Roberts. The orcas need the protection that they get off the San Juan Islands. There are laws with strong penalties for those who intentionally harass or injure wildlife. On July 19 the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was in the Point Roberts area monitoring boat traffic and talked to a whale watch boat from Vancouver. Whale watch boats certainly do not follow guidelines, regulations and recent new legislation when they are not monitored by the police. All boaters must not be within 100 yards of orcas - you must get out of their way or you could be fined. A Vancouver Island operator was ticketed in July. A petition display will be at the August Art and Music Festival.
Humpback Whales
Some Humpback Whales excited everyone visiting Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts on June 28th. From Saturday to Monday the Humpbacks spent a lot of time on the eastern side of Georgia Straight. One great experience was watching one of the two repeatedly slap the massive tail flukes. Photos were taken as part of Lifeforce’s Orca Trails Program promoting land base whale watching.
Respect and Enjoy Wildlife
Point Roberts is a bit of paradise. While all should marvel at the wonders of wildlife please don’t approach, feed or try to touch. They may look cute but can cause severe injuries. So treat them as you would want to be treated – respect and enjoy from a distance.
Note: This is the second story about wildlife on and around the Point. The first article “Wild at the Point” was in the All Point Bulletin, June issue www.allpoint bulletin.com/archives/2008
------------------- |
| |
| |
|
|
