The Whirley Crane nest camera is well-situated to capture not only the comings and going of the ospreys and other shorebirds, but also the marine traffic in the ship channel. This has captivated cam watchers, especially when the ospreys are gone and the nest is empty and quiet.
The behemoth ships that transport cars are a favorite. They are a pretty light blue, large and ride high in the water. Their names are fun too: Iris Leader, Poseidon Leader, Swift Ace. They come down the channel accompanied by two tugs, tiny but powerful boats. At the entrance to the channel, they often perform the popular pivot, a maneuver requiring skill and dexterity on the part of the tugboats, to allow the ship to enter backwards so that it may depart forwards. Presumably, ships don’t like to operate in reverse. The cam watchers can later see the shipworkers driving in for their shift, and later these same workers driving the cars off the boat and into the parking lot. The lot is a great place to see what Subarus will be available in the coming year. If you visit the nest, you will drive by the trucks and trains that take these cars elsewhere.
The behemoth ships that transport cars are a favorite. They are a pretty light blue, large and ride high in the water. Their names are fun too: Iris Leader, Poseidon Leader, Swift Ace. They come down the channel accompanied by two tugs, tiny but powerful boats. At the entrance to the channel, they often perform the popular pivot, a maneuver requiring skill and dexterity on the part of the tugboats, to allow the ship to enter backwards so that it may depart forwards. Presumably, ships don’t like to operate in reverse. The cam watchers can later see the shipworkers driving in for their shift, and later these same workers driving the cars off the boat and into the parking lot. The lot is a great place to see what Subarus will be available in the coming year. If you visit the nest, you will drive by the trucks and trains that take these cars elsewhere.
cap by Midi from GGAS osprey cam April 2018
Iris Leader Feb. 21, 2018
Then there are the other large bulk carriers. These are less picturesque and go farther up the channel, where they cannot be seen unloading. But one ship, the Hon. Henry Jackman, is a favorite of one cam regular. Maybe it’s the name. Or the ship’s great length. These ships also usually pivot.
cap by Midi from GGAS osprey cam Pelican State pivoting April 2018
cap by Midi from GGAS osprey cam Hon. Henry Jackman April 2018
Hon Paul Martin April 4, 2018 cap by Crow
Midi’s favorites are the tugboats. They are the workhorses, without whom the ships could not operate in the channel. One sees a pilot boat go out, then two tugs, and one knows a ship will soon be on its way. Sure enough, a ship soon appears, accompanied by two tugs, one on each side. These tugs are so small, especially when alongside the car ships, but they are mighty. And nimble. During the pivot, one tug must switch sides and just spins on its axis to make its turns. The crew are alert, able and constantly on the go. Midi once watched a crew member throw a rope expertly to the Red Oak Victory, then coil it. All part of the day’s job. When their job is done, the tugs return merrily to their berth. Do the ships every thank them? Are they ever fêted? Midi would like to know. Her favorites are the Foss tugs that berth nearby, and the tug dubbed “the birthday cake” by cam watchers. Once a tug tooted as it went by the nest and another time, a tug did a pirouette right in front of the nest. So the crew have a sense of humor as well!
 FOSS tug moored  Red tug, capped by Crow May 24, 2018 |  Rosie, chicks and green tug by nest May 30, 2018 capped by Midi  Birthday Cake tug July 27, 2018 |
Tug Convention March 5, 2018
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Then there are the smaller boats. The fishing boats go out early and return late in the day. Some are fancy and new and others are weather beaten. Occasionally one sees a tour boat, the Osprey being the camwatchers’ favorite. And then the sailboats, of all sizes. Once a large trimaran passed by, then Midi read later about the owner of the trimaran who got into trouble in San Francisco.
Then there are the smaller boats. The fishing boats go out early and return late in the day. Some are fancy and new and others are weather beaten. Occasionally one sees a tour boat, the Osprey being the camwatchers’ favorite. And then the sailboats, of all sizes. Once a large trimaran passed by, then Midi read later about the owner of the trimaran who got into trouble in San Francisco.
boat at sunset Feb. 12, 2017
Boat circling. What is it looking for? April 26, 2018 cap by Midi
 boat at night 12/22/17 |  boats at night 10/2/18, cap by J. |
And finally, the very little private boats. The occasional kayaker. The expert sail surfer who seems to love rough, windy days. A funky tiny fishing boat. Some cam watchers like to check the marine traffic site. One noted a rowboat one day. Each morning this rowboat would set off and do a tour of Brooks Island then return. What was this rowboat? Why was it going around the island? An article appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle and the mystery was solved. A woman named Lia and her rowboat have made the Bay their home. She is practicing for a record-setting row from Japan to San Francisco (one hopes to Richmond instead!). But first, she set off to make a record-setting circuit of the Farallones. Now alerted to her blog, some of the cam watchers followed Lia on her trip and cheered her as she entered Brickyard Cove after having accomplished her goal. Welcome, Lia, to Richmond Bay. And we invite you to become a member of the WWOC (World’s Worst Osprey Cam), a quirky, intelligent, fun, artsy group who meet on the cam’s chat site. Your membership card awaits you.
Lia rowing into Brickyard Cove at sunset Oct. 18. 2018 photo by Midi
| Song of the Tugboat Tugger was a little tugboat With a pretty light blue coat. Tugged and towed the livelong day Up and down the Richmond Bay One day she grew tired and said, “Oh, my poor aching head. Why must I work every day, While the sailboats lazily play? People cheer when the cruise ship Glides into its narrow slip, They ignore that I was the one Led it there during their fun They don’t even know my name, The cruise ship has all the fame. And the tanker, even barge Are respected ‘cuz they’re large.” Later, Tugger had finished her day When she saw a sailboat on the Bay. As she slowly chugged past She saw it on a sandbar, stuck fast. “I must go help them”, she said, “Even though it’s time for bed, For that is what tugboats do Help whenever help is due.” Tugger went to offer a line But the people said, “You are so kind Can’t we ride with you instead? That sailboat now fills us with dread.” “Of course,” Tugger then replied, As her heart near burst with pride. So the people boarded the tug As each one gave the boat a hug. And they partied all the way back, As Tugger gamely took up the slack, There was food, drink, music too, Provided by the tug’s great crew When they reached land, they all shouted “Yay, Hooray for Tugger who saved the day.” “They knew my name,” Tugger said with pride, She was so glad she had given them a ride. And no longer angry, no longer sad, The next day she worked quite glad, Now the people knew her name, And she was a boat of some fame. MIdi | Row Lia Row Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is rounding Brooks Island She will soon be back today, day, day, Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is going through Golden Gate, She'll not be home til late, late, late. Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing on the Bay. She is touring the Farallones, Three days she will be gone, gone, gone. Lia's rowing, rowing, rowing, Lia's rowing to Hawaii. We hope her journey will be great As she heads out through the Golden Gate. to be continued.... -MIdi Lia is seeking sponsors to help her build a new boat so she can make a record-making sail from Japan to San Francisco. To subscribe to her newsletter, read her fascinating blog, and/or donate, go to www.rowliarow.com |