Mostly sunny, calm flat ocean, 0-1mph wind, high stratus layer at horizon, no islands visible north or south but 1 cargo ship visible west (directly ahead). 15 gray whales in 11 sightings and 2 undetermined north bound whales possibly humpbacks or gray whales.

Large squadron of 150+ California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) north bound along the coast. An amazing site to see considering these ancient large prehistoric looking birds were only removed from the endangered species list in 2009. Once threatened by DDT the population has rebounded. Pelicans have a 6.5 ft – 7.8 ft wing span and usually fly in v shaped formations to conserve energy and ride on warm thermal air patterns. They require up to 4lbs of fish per day and sleep onshore at night.

One gray whale breached twice as it was passing Bird Rock (the pinnacles) and once as it was heading out! Thankfully I was able to capture the last one on film! Timing really is everything on sightings like this one.

A very low flying amphibious helicopter flew past the point barely one hundred feet above the sea! Turned around and went back north. Icon A5 Sport Aircraft is the name and it is designed for yacht owners as a fun sporty flight aircraft. The objective is not transportation but flying for sport and fun with just two seats. The starting cost is $269K up to $390K. The wings fold up and a trailer is available for purchase to transport the aircraft to and from the dock.

A group of sandpipers is referred to as a contradiction or a grain, a time step, a hill or a fling. The sandpipers were out in force on and off throughout the day as the gray whales migrated through in pairs, trios and solos out to the horizon.