Cormorants nest in the high Monterey Pines, Acorn Woodpeckers drill the dead trees. Black tail deer are inhabitants now, but long gone are the tule elk that once roamed these parts in abundance. F resh fish is sold right off the boat. Sign ups for the bird and otter watching excursions can be made in the parking lot. There used to be 700 commercial fishing boats in Moss Landing.
Today there are but a hundred.
Today you will see groups of naturalists, bird watchers, conservationists, or just trip-going curious launching out on a cruise up the slough to look at Herons roosting in trees, or Egrets studiously stepping around a mud flat, or a raft of otters cruising around the estuary. B ecause of all the activity with the sea and slough, Moss Landing is not widely known as prime artichoke growing territory. But, this ground in the Pajaro River Valley is next to Castroville, and closer to the ocean - Moss Landing can justifiably claim to be as prime artichoke growing as anywhere. Castroville, Artichoke Center of the World . Lazzerrni's Artichoke World in Castroville and Moss Landing sells chokes online.