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Westport Seabirds had two great pelagic trips this past weekend and with the town of Westport conducting it?s annual Pirate Days. There is nothing like coming off the boat dressed in layers and rubber boots to enter the throngs of dressed up pirates and tourists in shorts and t-shirts. We probably looked like Arctic explorers compared to the hundreds that attended the festivities!
The weather was incredible for both the offshore and inshore groups. The ocean had very little swell, bright sun all day, wind was minimal and with temperatures in the 90?s on shore. We even had a some of our birders in t-shirts as we arrived towards our docking!
Both pelagic trips had similar species and counts. Sunday?s trip had the first of some of the Arctic breeders returning which included a phalarope species(likely a Red-necked), a jaeger species(either a Parasitic or Long-tailed) and one Arctic Tern. Highlights for both trips included 6 Leach?s Storm Petrels on Saturday and 11 on Sunday, 8 South Polar Skuas on Saturday and 4 on Sunday(our first of the year) and 2 Tufted Puffins on Saturday and 1 on Sunday.
Mammal highlights include 8 Humpback Whales on Saturday and 3 on Sunday and 4 Orca on Saturday. Complete totals of both trips will be posted soon on our website.

Our next scheduled pelagic trip is on July 22. For all information on our pelagic trips, including reservations, please visit our website at www.westportseabirds.com
Trip leaders for Saturday?s trip were Michael Donahue, Jim Danzenbaker and myself. Sunday?s leaders were Scott Mills and Gene Revelas. Boat personnel and spotters were Phil and Chris Anderson.
On behalf of Westport Seabirds and all potential seafaring, birding pirates,
Bruce LaBar
Tacoma, WA.