Yesterday, about 4:10 P.M. while at the Chevron on Hosmer just across from
the Sherwood Inn, I spotted a large bird flying over. It was low enough
(50-75 feet) that I immediately identified it as an Osprey. It was heading
in a generally westerly direction.

It would briefly soar then continue its flight. At one point, while
directly over Hosmer it hovered and extended its legs as if preparing to
dive on prey.

This past Saturday, I enjoyed my first pelagic birding trip. I had 11 new
species for the day, some which can obviously be seen in other habitats as well.

My new species:

Heerman's Gull
Red-necked Phalarope
Sooty Shearwater
Northern Fulmar
Pomarine Jaeger
Black-footed Albatross
Laysan Albatross (3, an unprecedented number we were told)
Fork-tailed Storm Petrel
Pink-footed Shearwater
Sabine's Gull
Arctic Tern

There were also plenty of Brown Pelicans, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres,
and Pigeon Guillemots. Also observed were a Dall's Porpoise, Blue Sharks,
and Ocean Sunfish. I'm told others saw Harbor Porpoises and Tufted Puffins,
but they managed to elude my eyes.

The experience was like visiting another world. So many unfamiliar species.
The rolling of the boat on a relatively calm day. It has probably been more
than twenty years since I've been out on the ocean. I hope it won't be so
long before my next trip.




Michael B. Brown "You don't have to apologise for
13406 125th Av. Ct. E. not knowing the names of the birds
Puyallup, WA 98374 and the stones." -Frank Moorhouse
H-206-841-4281
W-206-841-8733
C-206-208-9588
borealis at borealis.seanet.com