Dark Naturalists // Observatorium / Field Log

Entries are presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.

10/14/2026 - Smitty’s Landing, Cayucos, CA

Collection: Vial 1 - Beach Sand

Notes: Lots of creatures, dead crabs, hermits and others, anemones and chitons, cool rock formations and shells

_____ _____ _____

10/14/2026 - 17 Mile Drive (Coast Line Side)

Collection: Vial 2 - Beach Sand, Spanish Bay Beach

Stops at:

Additional Notes: Lots of Phoebes in Cypress Groves, area cared for by Del Monte Conservancy

_____ _____ _____

10/14/2026 - Monterey Bay, base camp adjacent

Collection: Vial 8 - Beach Sand

_____ _____ _____

10/13/2026 Whale Watching w/Monterey Bay Whale Watch Company

Wildlife: Orcas (5) Pods CA122D and CA49C, Humpback Whales (15), Common Dolphins (700), Sea Lions (Dozens)

_____ _____ _____

10/12/2026 - Observations from Monterey Base Camp (floor 4)

Wildlife (1800-1845): Seals (4), Sea Otters (2), Sea Lions (20-30), Great Egret, Heermann’s Gull (deceased), Cormorants, Seagulls

_____ _____ _____

10/12/2026 - Additional Drive Notes:

Noted on the recently (Spring/Summer 2026) burn scarred areas in the HWY 1 Mountains growth of Pampas Grass seems to more abundant in areas that are Serpentine.

_____ _____ _____

10/12/2026 - Moonstone Beach (1130-1215)

Collection: Vial # 4 - Beach Sand Collected

Rnd. 4 - Various Shell chips & Gemstones

Driftwood Specimen (4”)

Weather: Estimated 10-12 ft waves (local commented they’ve never seen this height here), 67 °F, Sunny w/Slight Breeze, light clouds

Wildlife: Killdeer, Sandpipers, Elegant Turns, Seagulls, Heermann’s Gulls

Additional Notes: 2 Dead Birds (Photographed), Common Murre, Brown Pelican

_____ _____ _____

10/12/2026 - Morrow Bay, CA

Collection: Vial # 5 - Beach Sand Collected

Weather: Sunny w/Slight Breeze, Cool

Wildlife: Cormorants, Seagulls, Brown Pelicans, Sea lions, Harbor Seals

_____ _____ _____