Greetings Tweeters,
Sunday was the second of two trips conducted to offshore waters over the past weekend through Westport Seabirds. The trip from the harbor started foggy, consequently we missed the big numbers of nearshore Sooty Shearwaters in the AM. As we exited the channel mouth streams of Sooties appeared and disappeared out of and into the fog indicating there were probably numbers in the thousands nearby and well beyond the official total for the day. As usual Common Murre was the typical alcid in this zone, with Rhinoceros Auklets being further offshore for the most part.

We emerged from the fog several miles offshore to calm seas (though not as calm as the previous day) and a light breeze. The conditions offshore were comfortable and viewing conditions good. Species variety was good, but not great, and what were missing was any large flocks of shearwaters characteristic of this time of year. Could they have been north with the fishing fleet off of Destruction Island or south off of Willipa Canyon or the mouth of the Columbia?

Our course took us somewhat north to check out a shrimp boat fishing on the shelf, the rest of the fleet had moved north. We then headed SW along the north edge of Grays Canyon to just beyond 125 where another trawler had attracted some birds. Alas the first boat was fishing pretty far in on the shelf and while being popular with the California Gull crowd, it did not attract the hoped-for tubenoses. Still, it was here were we had our first encounters with Pink-footed Shearwaters and very close views of Northern Fulmar.

Running WSW to Grays Canyon we started picking up good species variety though numbers stayed sparse. It was on this leg where we had our first Black-footed Albatross, Fork-tailed Storm Petrels, South Polar Skua, and Cassin?s Auklet. We also encountered a Murrelet of the Xantus?s variety in this area. Unfortunately the bird had just come off the water and was flying straight away. Views were reasonably good, but brief and seen by only a lucky few (perhaps half). While white underwings could be confirmed, the face pattern was not visible and the distinction between Scripp?s (most likely) and Guadalupe could not be made. This turned out to be the pattern for the less common alcids on the trip. Cassins Auklet, Tufted Puffin, and the afore mentioned Murrelet were all seen only briefly in flight.

This section had enough going on to keep interest high and observers vigilant. We passed through several schools of albacore tuna feeding actively at the surface, with some individuals in an acrobatic mood. A few blue sharks, mola mola, and an obliging pod of Risso?s Dolphin or Gray Grampus added to the surface action.

At the boat near 125 we laid out a chum slick with good results. 80 of the days 88 Black-footed Albatross were at this location offering close encounters and many good photo opportunities. The only Sabine?s Gulls of the trip (3) gave a good showing here. As we left, a small pod of Pacific White-Sided Dolphin frolicked around the boat. We picked up Pomerine Jeager for the day along with more Fork-tails and a few more Cassin?s Auklets. The trip in was smooth, though on the quiet side. On the way we were treated to great views of Buller?s Shearwater (2). Our only Parasitic Jeager (a crisp adult) and Northern Fur Seal of the day were in this area along with a couple more South Polar Skua and Pomerine Jeager. In the nearshore zone Harbor Porpoise, Steller?s and California Sea lions, and Harbor Seals rounded out the mammal list.

A complete species list from the trip will be posted to the Westport Seabirds website in the next couple of weeks. Likewise a report to ebird will be uploaded soon. Spotters for the trip included Michael Donahue, Ryan Shaw, and Bill Shelmerdine. Skipper Phil Anderson and Deck Hand Chris provided safe transportation, quality boat handling, and excellent searching and finding skills for the trip.

Bill Shelmerdine, Olympia WA
georn1 at hotmail.com