Last month we asked, What event, memory, or visit inspired you to support the restoration and conservation of Elkhorn Slough? Thanks to everyone who shared their story. And the winners are...

"Did that sea lion just spit on me?"

My husband and I were kayaking in a 2 person kayak in the slough last fall (2008) - we were already members so this was not our inspiration to join but we think it's worth sharing. It was a nice fall day and we had seen a number of otters and birds as we made our way under the highway 1 bridge. As we continued to paddle into the slough we saw flashes of small fish jumping slightly out of the water in small groups - we thought there must be something fishing below the surface of the water. We caught sight of a small sea lion or seal in our peripheral vision. We turned to look at it and then I looked back to the front of the kayak - just then a sea lion (or seal) poked his head up from the water just to the right front of the kayak where I was sitting. It proceeded to spit at me (that is the only way I can describe it)! I was so surprised. I wiped my face, turned back to my husband and said "Did that sea lion just spit on me?" He said yes!! I can still envision how that animal looked as it opened it's mouth and let loose. It was a memorable experience that we laugh about every time we think about it. Spending time in the slough is always a great experience in nature but not as funny as that time. I am curious if others have had funny experiences kayaking in the slough. Julie Butner

My walk was amazing!

I had just moved across the country to Pacific Grove and was itching to explore the area. My neighbor suggested I visit Elkhorn Slough. I googled the address and, not really knowing what to expect, drove out to the Reserve. It was late afternoon when I pulled into the parking lot. The sun cast a spectacular glow over the glistening water and a great blue heron was hanging out by the picnic tables. In the Visitor Center, an enthusiastic volunteer greeted me, suggested some trails, and handed me a pair of binoculars. My walk was amazing! I saw deer, rabbits, humming birds, ducks, and dozens of other birds - even a white pelican, which we don't have on the North Atlantic coast. As I crossed the wooden bridge along the main path, I peered into the water and saw three large striped animals with fins, which I later learned were leopard sharks. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of my walk was the relaxing solitude. Sure, I saw other families out on the trails, but the overall environment was so soothing and provided an escape from reality that's hard to find these days. Back at the Visitor's Center, I inquired about who owns and protects these lands. I learned about the great partnership between the Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. I knew I wanted to get involved and I joined ESF on the spot. Since then, I've enjoyed several more walks at the Reserve as well as ESF member hikes and a kayak trip. All the conservation work ESF does is truly amazing and I'm happy to be part of the effort! Teresa B.

Each year from December 14 to January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers worldwide participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Enthusiastic birders, organized by location, observe and record every bird they see. They compile their results and upload them to an international database. The data helps the Audubon and other organizations track the health of bird populations and guide conservation policies. At this years count, the 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count, 1,398 sites reported 45,592,803 birds.

Here in Moss Landing 88 birders set out on New Years Day and recorded 202 species, an amazing 117,773 individual birds. The Moss Landing Christmas Bird Count surveys a 15-mile radius circle that includes Elkhorn Slough, La Selva Beach, Salinas River State Beach, and the Watsonville Wetlands. The Least Sandpiper was the most common with 11,909 sighted. Sixteen species tied for least common, with a single individual spotted (including Barrow's Goldeneye, Ferruginous Hawk, Pacific Golden-Plover, and Tufted Puffin). Thanks to everyone who participated, especially Bob and Bernadette Ramer and Ricky and John Warriner who compiled the data.

Now that the rainy season is ending, we're all itching to get outside. The Elkhorn Slough Foundation has a full season of exciting events planned for our members. Mark your calendars and visit our events page often. More details and registration info will be posted online in the next couple of weeks.

Friday, March 19th: Magnifying the Slough
Back by popular demand for a second year! Spend an evening in Elkhorn Slough's education lab illuminating our tiniest residents - microscopic organisms like the charismatic hydroid pictured above. Relive your biology class days as you peer at amazing unseen slough life under our high-powered microscopes. New this year is the addition of a Reserve researcher, Kerstin Wasson, sharing information about all the great research conducted at the slough. This event will fill up! RSVP online today!

Sun, March 28th: Bird Watching Walk
Rick Fournier will lead this special ESF member birding walk. We'll meet at the Reserve at 8am and caravan to several birding hotspots around the slough. Novice's welcome! We'll provide binoculars, or you can bring your own. RSVP coming soon.

Sat, April 10th: Spring Nature Walk
Join ESF Land Staff for an enjoyable behind the scenes hike on one of our properties, to be determined. More information coming soon.

Sat, May 22nd: Kayak Tour of the Slough
Join us for a paddling tour of Elkhorn Slough. ESF Executive Director Mark Silberstein will share slough stories and highlights as we kayak with seals, otters, and hundreds of birds. There will be an extra cost for this event.

See the slough in Monterey! The Elkhorn Slough Foundation donated three stunning Elkhorn Slough photographs by Michael Kenna to the Monterey Museum of Art. They're currently on view in the Land & Sea: Paintings and Photographs of Monterey and Beyond exhibit at their Pacific Street location.