As the Great-horned Owl outside my window Sunday night incessantly asked,
"who's awake, me too", I replied in thought, "I am, because I can't get the
images of another fantastic pelagic out of my head". The October 4th trip,
the last of our pandemic reduced, but no less exciting season, was added to
our schedule to accommodate a weather cancellation from the previous week.
Several lucky Washington birders were thrilled to be given a second chance
for a pelagic before the year's end.

Sea conditions improved throughout the day from mild swells going out to
smooth sailing on the way back. The weather was great with overcast
conditions early progressing to layer-shedding partly sunny skies for our
return. Total trip numbers are in parenthesis with chum highlights noted.

Sooty (201) and Pink-footed Shearwater (37) numbers have decidedly
decreased as they make their way to their southern hemisphere breeding
grounds, but everyone got good looks at these two common shearwater
species. Buller's Shearwater (92) showed again in staggering numbers and
it's hard to imagine we haven't shattered our previous years records for
them. I'm so grateful we got to experience the numbers and close looks
we've had this year at this striking seabird.

Our chum stop was hands down the bird highlight as there were no active
fishing vessels competing for seabird attention. It was here we logged our
greatest numbers of Buller's Shearwater (65) with a couple large flocks
moving together reversing direction en masse so we could study both their
boldly patterned gray dorsal surface with black "M" marking, and snowy
white ventral surface and underwings contrasting sharply with the dark cap
and thin wing margins. As we watched them the call of "Flesh-footed
Shearwater" (1) rung out and most were able to track this large, all dark
shearwater with the black-tipped, pink bill as it maneuvered about the
Buller's.

We had good numbers of Black-footed Albatross (120) during the entire trip,
with large multiple flocks at the chum stop (90). We are fortunate this
species is very receptive to coming in close for bait fish offerings thrown
out by Captain Phil. Everyone had an excellent opportunity to study and
photograph them. Bird numbers grew as our chumming continued, and a Laysan
Albatross (1) was soon spotted among a group of Black-foots. The single
Laysan would be only our third for the year compared to 2019 with 12 birds
seen.

Such a gathering of birds, 272 at the chum stop, is bound to bring a
kleptoparasitic species or two. During our stop we watched a Parasitic
Jaeger (2 for day), trying to intimidate one of the Buller's flocks and had
a couple close passes from a South Polar Skua (9 for day). Pomarine Jaeger
(9) was also seen flying by during our trip both at great distance and
fairly close.

Northern Fulmar (134) numbers were excellent with tremendous close looks as
they approached the boat for suet during the chum stop. Fort-tailed
Storm-Petrel (11) was also best seen at our chum stop (5). Apparently Blue
Shark (10 day, 4 chum) also appreciate being offered bait fish, suet, and
other objects, such as GoPro cameras. Look for the debut of "aqua cam" in
the video to follow soon.

Alcid enthusiasts were given the opportunity to compare Common Murre (607),
Rhinoceros Auklet (25), Cassin's Auklet (57), a juvenile Tufted Puffin, and
thanks to the skilled eyes of Shep Thorp, Ancient Murrelet (2). We really
scoured the surface looking for Scripps's or Guadalupe Murrelet which had
both been found recently, but could not conjure any up. Even larophiles
were kept busy with Sabine's Gull (24), Herring Gull (24), Thayer's Gull
(1) and scores of California Gull and Glaucous-wing types to sort through.

We left our chum stop thrilled with the species and interactions we
witnessed and began the journey home. We were still in somewhat deep water
when we saw several large whale blows in the distance. As we approached we
could tell they were Humpback Whale (17 for the day). We estimated ten
Humpbacks in this large group that remained content at the surface as we
watched them blow and surface, often multiple animals at once. When it
became obvious they weren't diving or leaving, Phil cut the engine and we
listened to them surfacing for breath. The sound of giant whale breathing
near you is paradoxically both thrilling and peaceful.

Speaking for myself, a day like this brings a much needed respite from the
worries that seem to dominate this time in our lives. These offshore
journeys represent the possibility to discover a world of nature hidden
from shore and ever changing from one day to the next. Thank you to
everyone who joined us on this trip and during the abbreviated season.
Your support is greatly appreciated by Captain Phil Anderson, First Mate
Chris Anderson, and the entire bird spotting team. Scott Mills and I
closed this one out, but we look forward to exploring with you again next
year.

Hope to sea you out there in 2021, stay safe !

Cara Borre

Gig Harbor
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