Subject: Re: The Winter's Tale; Invitation (fwd)
Date: Jun 13 09:50:14 1997
From: Peggi & Ben Rodgers - woodduck at cruzio.com


At 09:28 AM 6/13/97 -0700, you wrote:
>
>>From the 5-8 of June our class went to the Pacific Coast on the Olympic
>Penninsula, we stayed at the Mora Campground for three nights, it was a
>great trip. Here are some of the animals and birds we saw: Falcon
>nesting at the campsite. Two raccoons on the beach ( plenty more on the
>campsite ). We saw a Doe and Fawn walking on the beach. A Sea Otter in the
>ocean which we saw from a high peak. Plenty of resident Bald Eagles.
> One Osprey was seen. We saw a numerous amount of Black Oystecatchers,
> ravens, and pigeon Gillemotts. But the main highlight of the trip was
>that we saw three baby Harbor seals on a Rocky island at low tide, we
>assumed they were born in the morning of that day at High Tide. Their Mother
>was not with them even though we saw seals in the water right
>off the island. We wondered if this is normal.

Don't know about seals, but otters often leave their babies floating on a
bed of kelp while they hunt. Occasionally, people find these youngsters and
bring them in for rehab thinking they have been abandoned. Abandonment by
mother otters only occurs if something drastic has happened to her (such as
death or an accident). A good rule is to do exactly what you did (Good for
you guys!). Observe the baby for a period of time (depending upon species)
and more often than not you'll see the mother return.

If you ever have doubts, though, always feel free to call a wildlife
rehabilitation center near you and ask them. They'll be happy to hear from
you, and can answer your questions and concerns.

Thank you for your lovely invitation and I regret I'm too far away to
attend. Break a leg!

Peggi
Ben & Peggi Rodgers
Aptos, CA (near Santa Cruz 122 W, 37 N)
USA
woodduck at cruzio.com


"A bird does not sing because it has an answer,
It sings because it has a song"