Reader Suzanne D. shot this video near Sutro Baths on Wednesday.
“There was a crazy seagull feeding frenzy today at Sutro Baths/Seal Rocks. No idea what was in the water, but never seen anything quite like it there,” Suzanne said.
So dear readers, what WAS in the water that caused this feeding frenzy? Leave a comment if you know!
Sarah B.
I’m guessing anchovies. That would also be why a few whales were spotted coming into the bay last week or the week before.
We were up on the cliffs at Land’s End… there were a LOT of whales swimming through the Bay… at some points, there were swimming really fast, but at other points, there were at least 3 of them, and it looked like, maybe swimming in a circle? close to the surface… whatever THAT was, it triggered something else moving, that was attracting the birds.
It’s herring. The 13 spawn events happened around the bay area but usually finish around mid-March. However, because of surface temperature of water they crowd up next to beaches and shallow areas after the spawn. Sometimes sea lions drive them into large groups and they move towards the shore to escape, where the seagulls are waiting.
Thanks for the great info about the herring! Always love to learn a little more about what is happening in and out of the water 🙂 I have seen feedings similar to this down the coast, but never at Sutro Baths. Was quite a sight.
Great video!
Hitchcock would be proud 🙂
Yes, thanks for the video and info. Don’t know if it’s related, e.g. more herring, but I was out at Sutro Baths today (7/8) around noon and I’ve never so many whale spouts; I was there for a half hour or so and they were going continuously the whole time, with a few fluke shots as well.
Speaking of fog horns are they really needed any more? Doesn’t today’s technology make them obsolete?
MR HORNEY – Yes indeed, today’s technology does indeed make a lot of things obsolete, including most of us.
Anchovies spawn in the bay in May and June then head back out in July. This corresponds with the return of striped bass from their delta spawning. Sometimes when you see birds working a “bait ball”, it could be striped bass pushing them to the surface from below. The anchovies also turn on the halibut and salmon fishing (what’s left of it). At this time of year you can catch salmon, striped bass and halibut in the same day. It’s an amazing time of year.
Obsolete or not, I love the sound of the fog horn!