This month’s full moon rises Monday, June 29 and continues a pattern of early-morning very low tides. It’s always a good idea to check for beach hazard warnings before setting out. This year has been particularly dangerous along the California coast. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Summer is truly here with the return of brown pelicans splashing in our bays. As El Niño warms the waters of the central Pacific, large pods of pelicans are crowding beaches as they follow food supplies moving north. Humpback whales, also following their food sources, can be seen from Great Beach and the lighthouse.
Fluttering around oak trees in Bear Valley are hatching oak moths. These hungry creatures can rapidly defoliate a tree in their caterpillar stage before making a cocoon. The tree will survive, and the moths will move on. Osprey fledglings on Bear Valley Trail are taking occasional hops out of the nest onto branches.
National seashore roads, trails, and visitor centers will stay open on the July 4 holiday. An annual reminder as we enter fire season: no fireworks are permitted in Marin and Sonoma.