Report from the Aug 8 Westport Seabirds pelagic. Thirteen participants,
two leaders (Bill Tweit and Scott Mills) and lots of COVID-19 precautions.

Saturday's pelagic trip tested our sea legs; that didn't mar a productive
day on the ocean but It did prevent us from reaching the west end of Grays
Canyon. Fortunately, several shrimp trawlers were fishing further inshore
than normal with numbers of birds in attendance, and we were able to set up
a productive chum at the east end of the canyon. As a result, almost all
of the regulars showed up in numbers for good views, and we had a five
shearwater species day. Black-footed Albatross (90), Fork-tailed
Storm-Petrel (29), Northern Fulmar (14), Pink-footed Shearwater (378),
Flesh-footed Shearwater (1), Buller's Shearwater (2), and Sooty Shearwater
(2462) made a good tubenose tally. The Flesh-foot was our first of 2020.
It is always an unusual day when Red Phalaropes (30) outnumber Red-necked
(17); we got good views of both on this trip. Continuing the trend of
previous weeks, jaegers and skuas were scarce. Fortunately our only South
Polar Skua of the day decided that it needed to view us from directly
overhead, providing fantastic looks. A couple of Pomarine Jaegers helped
lift our species tally, as did 3 Sabine's Gulls.

The Oregon murre populations began showing up off Westport this week, with
females winging north past us, and male/chick pairs on the water in several
places; they totaled 327 for the day. Small numbers (18) of Rhinocerous
Auklets were widely distributed. The only missing member of the regulars
"gang" was Cassin's Auklets, which went unrecorded. Most trips have found
them sparingly, so their absence wasn't overly surprising.

We were treated to a good Humpback Whale show, with 5 in one area. Our
attention was drawn by one breaching repeatedly. As we neared, we found
other blows, and witnessed several backs arching and tail flukes
appearing. There were large numbers of Sooty Shearwaters in the area as
well, a rich food source must have been nearby. A few quick views of
Dall's Porpoises provided additional marine mammals for the day.

We really appreciate all of our participants cooperation in following
guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID, and will continue to observe the
current guidance from the state. In order to help maintain social
distancing onboard, Westport Seabirds has reduced the number of
participants on each trip. Which means that several of our upcoming trips
are already fully booked, but there is still some room later this month and
into the fall. Check out the website, at westportseabirds.com for more
information.
Bill Tweit
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