Yesterday marked another memorable day out of Westport. We began the day
in darkness which gave way to overcast skies with minimal wind and mild sea
conditions. We had a nice mix of seasoned regulars, as well as a few out
of state participants, some new to our offshore species, and some new to
pelagic birding in general.

Many of these trips begin in a similar fashion, heading west to deeper
waters adding species as we go. Yesterday was no different. Despite not
having any fishing vessels working the area, we recorded respectable
numbers of all the expected species including Black-footed Albatross (24),
Northern Fulmar (28), Sooty Shearwater (2790), Pink-footed Shearwater
(905), and Buller's Shearwater (9). Alcids were well represented by Common
Murre (1037), Rhinoceros Auklet (28), Cassin's Auklet (28) and Pigeon
Guillemot (3).

Sabine's Gull (149) had a strong presence throughout the day with a steady
stream of usually single birds heading south. There were several nice
sightings of South Polar Skua (5), Pomarine Jaeger (3), and Parasitic
Jaeger (3) which always bring a wave of excitement as they pass by. Though
all the aforementioned species were seen well, the bird of the day award
goes to the storm petrels.

We had excellent numbers and views of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel (490). This
small, light gray bird with darker shoulders and underwing coverts is the
expected storm petrel species at this time of year. Leach's Storm-Petrel,
though more abundant in Washington than Fork-tailed, can be considered a
seasonal specialty with most sightings between June through early August
when it's foraging closer to its breeding grounds. This is why when the
call of "Leach's Storm-Petrel" rang out from the bow, those of us on the
stern knew we were in for a special treat when we trained our binos on a
white-rumped storm petrel. However, as soon as I got the bird in view and
noted its un-Leach-like manner of flight and squared tail, I uttered,
"that's not a Leach's". Simultaneous exclamations from fellow guides Scott
Mills and Bill Shelmerdine of "Wilson's Storm-Petrel", got our collective
heart rates elevated.

We had a genuine rarity, now we needed confirmatory photos. Scott grabbed
his camera from the cabin and other photographers scrambled to get the bird
in their sights. Moments later it was gone, though not for good.
Relocating it ahead of the boat, Captain Phil took off in hot pursuit,
allowing further viewing and photo opportunities.

Wilson's Storm-Petrel is primarily an Atlantic ocean species which breeds
in areas around Antarctica and Cape Horn. They are rarely seen in the
Pacific, and then usually south of our position, but do have a fairly large
area they have been known to range over. There have only been four
accepted sightings of Wilson's Storm-Petrel in Washington, the last one was
in 2005.

We carried the adrenaline rush of finding a rare bird with us to the
chumming grounds, where a lack of wind produced a lack of enthusiasm
amongst the birds, so we started the journey home. We experienced more
bird activity on the way out west than on the return east, but we were in
store for yet another magical event. In the distance I thought I caught a
breaching Humpback Whale. I told Scott and we kept an eye on the area.
Suddenly he said "it's a pectoral fin slapping the surface". Scott quickly
told Phil and we made our way toward the whale. As we approached, the
whale continued slapping the surface with its giant, white pectoral fin.
The size of the fin, and subsequent splash as it hit the surface of the
water, made me realize why I had mistaken this for a breach. Captain Phil
turned off the engine so we could experience the sound produced by this
behavior which is thought to be related to communication. Sadly, video I
thought I had captured of this event was lost. If anyone on the trip has
video or photos they would like to contribute, I would be happy to produce
a video compilation to share with everyone.

This fabulous trip was Captained by Phil, "the storm petrel chaser",
Anderson, Crewed by Chris Anderson and led by Bill Shelmerdine, Scott Mills
and me.

There are a few spaces remaining on future trips, please check
westportseabirds.com for the schedule.

Hope to sea you out there!

Cara Borre

Gig Harbor
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