Monday, August 30, 2021

Ripple effect

  

The fin of a Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica) at sunset.

Bat Rays are powerful swimmers and since this was a calm night, sometimes their strokes created wide-ranging ripples across the surface of the harbor:

 
 
Photographed from the Bodega Bay Post Office on 27 August 2021.

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2 comments:

  1. HollisAugust 31, 2021 at 10:42 AM

    Hi Jackie - I've seen individuals underwater in that area & was told they've been seen gathering there. Have always wanted to see this - are you aware of any way to predict a gathering? Phase of the moon? Tidal?

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  2. Jackie SonesAugust 31, 2021 at 4:42 PM

    Hi, Hollis!

    Hmmm...I'm not totally sure. We were there on a falling tide (about 3 hours after high tide). One variable that might make it easier to see the rays is the wind -- that is, it's likely much easier when it's calm, making it easier to see the movement and fins at the surface. I don't know if there's a time of year that would be best, but perhaps someone else will comment?

    :) Jackie

    P.S. I've also seen rays by the Spud Point Marina breakwater:
    https://bodegahead.blogspot.com/2012/05/bat-raybat-raybat-ray.html

    And we often see them around eelgrass beds in Tomales Bay, and have noticed them in Drakes Estero, too.

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