Deborah -- Try one of Terry Wahl's pelagic trips off Westport. The only
scheduled trip this winter is on Saturday, January 23. It's a risky time of
year because of the weather and the trips can be a little rough or can be
cancelled. The cost listed for a 9-hour trip that goes out 35-40 miles to
Gray's Canyon is $70. No guarantees on what you might see, thus the gamble is
the allure of pelagic trips but at least you will have the company of other
birders, some experienced, some less so, and there is often an unique form of
comradery that develops amongst all those 'trapped' in the experience; for
better or for worse :-). Could be a bust; could be incredible. Species
possible in January could include Black-footed and Laysan Albatross, Northern
Fulmar, Mottled Petrel (rare), Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwater, Common
Murre, Marbled and Ancient Murrelet, Cassin's, Rhinoceros, and Parakeet (rare)
Auklets, Black-legged Kittiwake, Red-legged Kittiwake (rare), and assorted
'seagulls'. Anything can happen; there seems to be no limit. On the other
hand...... oh never mind :-)) May to October is probably better for overall
diversity and more species of procellarids although less so for the winter
rarities. For more information, making reservations, etc., check this
website:
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/trwahl/wsbirds/WSEABIRDS1.HTM">Westport
pelagic trips</A>
http://hometown.aol.com/trwahl/wsbirds/WSEABIRDS1.HTM

Good Luck and Bon Voyage :-) --Richard

Richard Rowlett (Pterodroma at aol.com)
47.56N, 122.13W
(Seattle/Bellevue, WA, USA)