[Note: I did not write a journal entry at the time, so the notes that follow are based on the photos, any data I collected, and what faded memories I retain from years after the fact.]
Kitty and I were up fairly early to take advantage of sunny, calm weather and spend a spend a good chunk of the day on the water.
We picked up kayaks at Galankin Island around 7am and headed out on the sound.
We pulled in near Low Island, close enough to see the seals basking on the exposed rocks.
I was surprised to see Sanderlings working the floating kelp. In the fog of time, I don’t remember why we didn’t go to shore initially, but it may have been due to another boat already there.
Instead, we motored over to Shoals Point, anchored up and paddled to shore.
We spent three hours poking around from one end of the sandy beach to the other, making note of what we found growing, and relaxing in the sun.
It was nearly noon when we got back to the boat and began our run out to St. Lazaria. I didn’t get many photos on this part of the trip (again, in the expanse of time, I’ve forgotten why not – part of it was I just didn’t get as many photos as I later did).
Our final stop was back at Low Island, where we got off on shore.
I was surprised to see a deer on the island. There isn’t much cover for it, and it seems like a long-ish swim from Kruzof. The deer was apparently not all that happy with our appearance, as it made its way down the beach and began swimming away.
We did find a few shorebirds, including dowitchers and Pectoral Sandpipers. Also, as it turns out, at least one Baird’s Sandpiper, though I only realized that after reviewing photos.
Leaving Low Island, I got a clear view of why the Sanderling were focused on the floating Macrocystis kelp. There were lots of flies there.
My iNaturalist Observations for Today
