Moss Landing, located between Santa Cruz and Monterey, is a wetland at the mouth of the Monterey Bay. It is an excellent place to observe sea otters, marine mammals, and various birds. Since there are few observation spots from land, it’s best to join a boat tour or rent a kayak.
Two companies offer tours: Elkhorn Slough Safari and Monterey Bay Eco Tours. I used Elkhorn Slough Safari, but both seemed to use similar boats, so either should be fine. Next time, I’d like to try observing by kayak. There are also two companies offering kayak rentals.
As we departed, the docks were already occupied by large numbers of California Sea Lions.A male with a shiny, imposing build.Western Grebe. Distinguished by the black extending below the eyes and a slightly upturned bill.I was finally able to see a Common Loon. This one is a male. This plumage is elegant, but I hope to see the breeding plumage someday.There was also a female Common Loon.Many cormorants were gathered near the river mouth. Double-crested Cormorant.The highlight of this outing was the sea otters. Once the boat heads out, they’re everywhere, making the encounter rate virtually 100%.Munching on a large shelled mollusk. Sea otters are said to consume about 25% of their body weight in food each day.A cracked-open shell.Gulls are always trying to steal their food, apparently.A Brandt’s Cormorant with subdued coloring.This sea otter seemed to be licking its foot rather than eating.A group of Willets actively moving about.
