Last night, 1000’s of Elegant Terns forming several flocks filled the sky over Elkhorn Slough during our bioluminescence night kayaking tour. It was indeed a sparkly night, however the terns left us speechless as we drifted, watching them plunge into the water or skim then scoop up anchovies. Over my 25 years of guiding in Elkhorn Slough I have never witnessed such a density of any feathery species at one time. It was a spectacular event.
Elegant Terns start arriving along the California coast when or if northern anchovies become abundant over summer and fall months. Over 90% of the world’s population of Elegant Terns nest on Isla Rasa in the Sea of Cortez about 35 miles southeast of Bahia De Los Angeles.
Our first Blue Water Adventure in 1996 was to “The Bay of La” and someday we hope to return.
However, we are now under the fantastic care of our Mexican based outfitter in La Paz, Mar y Aventuras. We are so eager for our return to Baja in November and February as we explore this biologically rich region of the world. While all 3 Baja trips are now filled, our 2022 Women’s Baja trip roster in November is taking form as well as our February 2023 roster. In the mean time, we are so thrilled to call Monterey Bay our back yard. Wildlife viewing doesn’t get much better than what we witnessed last night! ~~www.bluewaterventures.org
