Tweeters,

Saturdays pelagic trip out of Westport had great conditions on the water, with calm seas and little glare. Fog was pretty dense early on the trip out and no counting was conducted in the nearest shore zone. Several miles offshore we suddenly emerged from a wall of fog to clear skies, calm seas and lots of birds scattered across the ocean. The transition was striking, a sight to be seen, but one that defies description (at least by me).

Good numbers of shearwaters were present throughout the day, we encountered several mixed species flocks (mostly Sooty and Pink-foots) that numbered in the thousands. I don?t have the final numbers, but I seem to recall something over 10,000 Sooties, and 2,000 Pink-footed. On the way out we motored over to investigate a group of Albatross sitting on the water feeding on a Humboldt Squid. One of the several South Polar Skuas for the day was sitting on the water; Pink-footed Shearwaters joined the Albatross on the water while our second close in Arctic Tern cruised overhead. The first Arctic was standing on a log and stayed for very close examination.

The chum spot at 125W was pretty quite, though there were always birds in view and passing in the distance. A few Fork-tailed Storm Petrels responded to the chum and came in close, though most were seen on the return trip. Sabines Gulls were in good supply, while several Cassin?s Auklets, and single Tufted Puffin and Parasitic Jeager were encountered not long into the return trip.

On the way back in we diverted course somewhat to fishing boat near the edge of the fog. This was a great move by Skipper Phil Anderson. Here we had close encounters with many species including 70 or so Black-footed Albatross (BFAL), at least 5 Pomerine Jeager, a nice adult Long-tailed Jeager; close passes from Bullers Shearwater, and close but very brief looks at the seasons first Short-tailed Shearwater (unfortunately that bird was seen by few). By far the most abundant species at the boat were Pink-footed Shearwaters, followed by California Gull, BFAl, and Northern Fulmar.

Several more Pomerine Jeagers were seen as we approached the coast, including a stunning dark adult with full "spoons". The final "pelagic" species of the day was a Black-legged Kittiwake sitting among the other gulls and pelicans on the jetty. It was also good day for marine mammals with 8 species found, including: Humpback Whales; Dalls and Harbor Porpoise; Elephant, Northern Fur and Harbor Seals; and Steller?s, and California Sea Lions. Blue Sharks and Mola Mola round out the list.

Spotters for the trip were Bill Tweit, Charlie Wright, and I. As usual, our Skipper Phil did a great job. The official trip list with species totals will be posted. Check the Westport Seabirds website for final numbers.

Bill Shelmerdine, Olympia
Mailto: georn1 at hotmail.com