May 10, 2008 Elkhorn Slough Safari Outing

"in the field reporter" for FM_NorCal: Alan Marr

The Spring 2008 Elkhorn Slough Safari netted many
great photos, and a good time for all the FM_NorCal
photographers!

Members sharing the event that day were
Joe Ronkovich, Sue McConnell, Suprada Urval,
Anthony Whitmore, Shiva Shankar, Jeff Winters,
Fred and Marge Buhler, Larry Hendler, Nancy Asquith,
Allen Hirsch, Connie and Les Harrington,
Jean Christopher, Shelah Osbrink, Robin Bourbonnais,
Erasmo Acosta and Alan Marr.

The day began gray and foggy as the Capt. Yohn
guided the boat out of Moss Landing Harbor. 
By design, the boat was half full so that every
photographer had easy access to their side of
the boat and could shoot over the heads of the
other side of the boat as necessary.  We quickly
got trained by the Captain to swivel to 11 o'clock
or 3 o'clock positions as he sighted birds more
quickly than any of us.

There were blonde otters and wet otters and feasting
otters and mother and child otters and large rafts
of otters!  Not to be outdone, harbor seals and sea lions
put on a good show.  Many species of birds included
cormorants in breeding plumage with blue gullets,
red eyed Western Grebes, different kinds of ducks,
Great Blue Herons, Loons, Terns, Turkey Vultures,
Brown Pelicans, American White Pelicans, Whembrels,
Avocets, Curlews, Canada Geese, Egrets, and hawks. 
There were even large brown jellyfish and
small delicate white jellyfish.

After a delicious and companionable lunch,
most of us returned for the afternoon and
were joined by others to once again fill the boat.

Captain Yohn consistently positioned the boat
skillfully and fairly so that both sides had plenty
of good opportunities.  Capt. Yohn guided us
well with thoughtful suggestions based on a
keen understanding of the needs of the
photographers.  If you get a chance to go,
treat yourself!   It is well worth it.