The full moon on Tuesday, March 7 is called the Worm Moon by the Farmers Almanac because the earth is typically warming and spring rains bring worms to the surface. Other traditions from the Ojibwe and Chippewa of the Great Lakes area call it the full crust moon as the snow cover softens in the daytime but is frozen back to a hard crust by nighttime low temperatures.
The recent icy temperatures may affect the wildflower season this year. Many species that were just beginning to flower will be waiting for a warm spell. A recent visit to Chimney Rock saw a couple of poppies and few irises, though many weaned elephant seal pups were chiming away on the pocket beaches. Northern elephant seal season is winding down for the year, with more and more leaving each day.
The annual harbor seal protection measures in the seashore began March 1 and last through June 30. Harbor seals, year-round residents commonly seen in Bolinas Lagoon, rest up on local beaches each year to “pup,” or bear their young. Harbor seals will look smaller and lighter in color and are often spotted, unlike the northern elephant seals that share the same beaches. The pups may be left alone on the shore as the adults seek food in nearby waters, so the sight of a lone seal is very normal. Closures include Drakes Estero, Double Point, and the very far western end of Limantour Spit. Check nps.gov/pore for full information and maps before heading out.