July 28 - Point Roberts

Today was my daughter Sarah's 34th birthday. We'd celebrate that on Sunday the 29th. This morning was used for a visit to Point Roberts. Although it's generally quiet there in the summer, it is a time when some of the Alcids (small ocean going birds) are closer to shore than usual.

One of the most common of these is the Rhinoceros Auklet, named for the small horn that protrudes from its beak in breeding season. Here's one beside a Glaucous-winged Gull.


Rhinoceros Auklet - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

This cropped photo shows the horn a little bit better.

Rhinoceros Auklet - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

This is a cool group shot featuring Glaucous-winged Gulls and Pelagic Cormorants.

Glaucous-winged Gulls & Pelagic Cormorants - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

Here's a close-up on the Cormorants, it looks like they could hook their necks together if they wanted to.

Glaucous-winged Gull & Pelagic Cormorants - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

This is yet a better close-up of the Rhinoceros Auklet:

Rhinoceros Auklet - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

I was trying to catch the Cormorants in flight with the new camera. It's tough to get the exposure right.

Pelagic Cormorants - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

And finally, a Steller Sea Lion put in a brief appearance.

Steller Sea Lion - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts WA

That wrapped this visit and also the blog posts for July.