Black Cormorant

Acid Kelp at Refugio Beach

Refugio seems to be coming back nicely from the oil spill -- or perhaps it's better than ever.  Quite a few fields of acid kelp are growing along the reef. To me this seems to be a positive sign. It has a nice dark-purple color. Often small fish, including groups of a few juvenile rockfish, hang out in hollows. I understand that it clears areas out, and then lets other things grow. I'm not sure what this kelp bass was doing.

Hawk at Refugio

The campgrounds at Refugio are closed this time of year. Gophers are as plentiful as ever, though. On the day before Christmas, this hawk moved in to partake of the feast.  The swings in the deserted campground make a great perch to survey the meadow for hawk treats. I believe that this is a red-shouldered hawk.