6/4/07

I just want to enter a memo regarding my so called whale watch cruise out of Bellingahm, WA on May 22, 2007.

Three significant bird species:

Sooty Shearwater x2
south of John's Island ( an extension of Stewart Island) along tidal slick with Rhinosceros Auklets.
At first swimming, then flew away.

Turkey Vulture x2
One along north side of Speiden Island.
And one at Friday Harbor, soaring over marina.

Lesser Scaup x 6 or 8 males; females present.
South side of Sinclair Island, strung out along hard rock shore (possibly feeding on mussels &/or algae).

Also: Marbled Murrelets (not common), Pigeon Guillemots, & Rhinoceros Auklets at converging tidal currents.

Phil Hotlen
Bellingham, WA
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