A full moon on the 28th means the lowest tides of the month (the 26th at 3:45pm) will be the preceding two days. Head out for tide pooling in the afternoon and see what's uncovered.
On the Trail: February starts the mating, breeding, and birthing season. While hiking, look out for foxes, coyotes, and bobcats as they seek mates. Newts and salamanders are heading toward the water for breeding also. Look for the amphibians crossing the trail when hiking in shady, damp areas, especially near puddles, pools, and streams. While in those damp areas, don't forget to look for mushrooms popping out from underneath the duff.
By the Shore: Sea otters and Harbor seals begin having pups. Look for them at Drakes Estero. The Northern Elephant seals are still here with continued birthing and mating. The females leave just four weeks after birthing in search of food, leaving their pup to fend for themselves. See them at Chimney Rock or Ano Nuevo.
Elephant seals spend 80 percent of their lives in deep water. They can hold their breath for over 120 minutes and dive to depths well over 2000ft. Their huge blood volume provides large stores of oxygen for diving. Extraordinary in the water they are equally surprising on land where they can move faster than the average human over sand dunes.
Their average life expectancy is about 20 to 23 years and they reach maturity between 3 to 5 years. Males weight up to 6000lbs and females weight in at around 2000lbs. Pups are born in January after an 11 month gestation.Pups are born shiny black and weight about 75lbs, gaining at a rate of 10lbs per day while nursing.
On the Water: The Pacific Herring spawn continues in Tomales Bay. Look for fish-eating critters getting their fill, including the Great Blue Heron who is on the prowl for a mate, as well as lunch.
