The Daily Bucket - California Odds & Ends

  First. There are an unusually large number of Humpback whales wandering into San Francisco Bay LINK. Generally they stay out of the bay and are further offshore. Once in a while one or two have wandered in. Lately,, however, they seem to be coming in in greater numbers and with greater frequency, such as on back to back weekends and 3 or more at a time.

It is suspected that this might relate to an unusual  concentration of anchovies near shore.

Second. “Tuna crabs” are invading Southern California Beaches. LINK  The crabs (Pleuroncodes planipes) are about 1 to 3 inches long and resemble crawdads.  They normally live off of Baja California but a current and lingering warm waters from El Nino have pushed them northward in recent years.  About 1000 washed ashore at Huntington Beach and a few at Newport Beach last Wednesday and a few at Seal Beach the previous week. Last June there were hundreds of thousands if not millions scattered all over So. Cal. beaches, so this might be just the beginning. (Not good for eating, but gulls seem to like them.)

Third.  Several San Francisco hotels are raising honey bees on their roofs. At least one, and presumably all of them have roof top gardens. LINK This is not a conservation effort, but a way to obtain fresh honey for various gourmet cocktails and food items. Nonetheless, every bit helps, and perhaps the idea will spread throughout the country’s temperate areas. 

  What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.    

Thank you.