Most of our conservation projects have a neat logo associated with them. We use these in written reports, graphics, and to make stickers and swag. We're excited to reveal the new Point Pinos Seawatch logo, created by local artist, naturalist, and birder Morgan Lewis of Ripple in the Wild.
The logo features our two main target species that are monitored through this conservation project: the Surf Scoter and Pacific Loon. Although 223 species have been identified by our counters during the fall seawatch sessions, these are the two main birds that fly by in large numbers. The logo also depicts the offshore red buoy, a key visual marker on a featureless ocean.
The birds are facing to the left, since in the fall when the Seawatch is occurring, we are witnessing these species heading south for winter and are generally flying west, out of the bay. These birds are heading back south after breeding up in the arctic and boreal forests of Canada. But if you go out to Point Pinos right now (early May), you'll see some of these same species headed the other way - northeast into the bay! And even more stunning, you'll see them in their finest breeding plumage as they travel north to find a partner and build a nest. The loons are particularly beautiful this time of year - see Mark Chappell's picture below. We are used to seeing them in the fall when they are in their drab, basic plumage, but right now they are glammed up.
Any opportunity you have to hang out along the coast and look out to sea with your binoculars or a spotting scope, you should take it. Monterey Bay is one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet and for marine life it is unrivaled. 223 bird species have been seen just by standing at that one bench at Point Pinos... read more about the Seawatch Program on our website. See you in the field!
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