Holiday Greetings to all seafarers!
Our new 2012 Westport Pelagic trip schedule was just sent to us and I was asked to post information about our first one. It will be on January 28, leaving the dock at 0700.
Our history of winter trips throughout the past 40 years include some of our better sightings. Obviously, weather is a huge factor. We have had to cancel several trips because of winter storms. However, when we have got out there to poke around some great birds were found. Here are a few encounters that I pieced together from my notes.
a.. January 16, 1994--3 Laysan Albatross
b.. February 2, 1997--13 Laysan Albatross, 4 Mottled Petrel and 4 Parakeet Auklets
c.. January 22, 2000--6 Laysan Albatross and 1 SHY ALBATROSS
d.. January 27, 2001--7 Laysan Albatross and 1 SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS
This is also a good time for other pelagic birds such as: Short-tailed Shearwater, Black-legged Kittiwake, Ancient Murrelet and Cassin's Auklet. I have a feeling that reservations will fill up fast, so threat yourself to a holiday gift early and hope to see you on the ocean this coming new year!
Our website has all sorts of information and how to make reservations. www.westportseabirds.com

Bruce LaBar
Tacoma,WA
blabar at harbornet.com