As the days lengthen and carry us toward spring, the pattern of 6-foot-plus morning tides and afternoon daylight minus tides also continues. The full moon that rises on Wednesday, Feb. 12, is known as the “alder moon” in the Celtic tree calendar. Water-loving alders are easily spotted along the Bear Valley and Earthquake Trails, with their light-colored bark. Alder roots have long been used by Coast Miwok for basketmaking and the bark gathered for medicinal purposes.
Amazing news from our neighbors to the south: Mexican biologists noted an aqua-violet-banded snowy plover on the beaches of Baja California. This male plover was born in 2022 on Great Beach, where he has nested twice. Local scientists did not know where he went in winter, but it looks like he is enjoying sunnier temperatures than Point Reyes offers. We will hope for his safe return.
It’s peak elephant seal season, with most of the pups born and mating beginning. Whales are still elusive this year, either due to poor weather or a change in patterns, or perhaps they are just staying out of sight. Some speculate that less ice in Arctic regions has made more food available, causing whales to feed and linger there later.
National park visitor centers, roads and trails will be open on the Presidents’ Day holiday.