Nineteen intrepid birders joined us today on a mostly miserable rainy day but with amazing bird sightings. Intrepid is defined as fearless, unafraid, daring and adventurous. With ocean swells at 9-10 feet, heavy rain squalls and lots of rocking and rolling, these birders earned these definitions! Many were first time pelagic participants. We also had two birders from South Africa, one from Connecticut and the rest from the Pacific Northwest.
The following are the highlights and the list of bird species seen today. I don?t have the number totals with me but they will be post on Ebird and our website within a day or two.

Cackling Goose-several large flocks in flight
Brant
Northern Shoveler-2, seen several miles off shore
Green-winged Teal
Harlequin Duck-near Westport jetty
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon
Pacific Loon
Common Loon
Western Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
LAYSAN ALBATROSS-1, Came into our chumming, out in the canyon. Didn?t stick around long but everyone got great looks!
Black-footed Albatross-58
Northern Fulmar
Pink-footed Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel
LEACH?S STORM-PETREL-4, Three came into our chumming and one was after. More often seen in late July into August.
Brandt?s Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
BROWN PELICAN-2, Early arrivals
Least Sandpiper-on jetty
Red-necked Phalarope-several small flocks
SABINE?S GULL-4
Mew Gull
Western Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
COMMON TERN-Several small flocks, close to shore, seen by a few
ARCTIC TERN-2, Seen out in deep water by several
Pomarine Jaeger-1
LONG-TAILED JAEGER-2, One adult was seen close to boat by all and another seen further away.
Common Murre
Pigeon Guillemot
ANCIENT MURRELET-3, Excellent views by all
Cassin?s Auklet
Rhinoceros Auklet
and my personal highlight ....CLIFF SWALLOW, 15-20 miles off shore. Seen by most. Photos confirmed. New for my pelagic list, smile!

Mammals highlights were 1 Humpbacked Whale, several groups of Pacific White-sided Dolphins, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seal.

Many thanks to all and to the amazing piloting of the boat by Phil Anderson. Our next pelagic is scheduled for May 20. For information and to make reservations, please visit our website at www.westportseabirds.com
Spotters for today?s trip were Bill Shelmerdine and myself. Boat personal and spotters were Phil and Chris Anderson

Bruce LaBar
Tacoma, WA