Last week's smoky conditions were gone! However, we experienced fog for most of the day, which certainly hindered some of our bird and mammal counts.
We still managed to have some great sightings for our birders visiting from Florida, New York, Chicago and local areas.

Phil noticed a shrimp boat on the radar but the shrimper lacked the diversity of seabirds that we had hoped. Lots of juvenile California gulls and Pink-footed Shearwaters was the main composition.
We found more action motoring out much farther to Pacific whiting (hake) fishing boats. We encountered lots of Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels and Cassin's Auklets just before the boats.
As the boats came into view through the fog (which is surreal), we saw up to 40 Black-footed Albatross, several Buller's Shearwaters, South Polar Skua, Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers and other more common seabirds.
As we were enjoying the sightings, a big black and white albatross came into view, floating on the water and close to the boat.
It was a LAYSAN, that many on the boat wanted most to see. In fact, out of 14 birders, I believe 8 raised their hands when asked if it was a life sighting!
Other highlights in this area were 2 Red Phalaropes, lots of Sabine's Gulls(both adults and juveniles), 1 Arctic Tern and a few Northern Fulmar.

Having driven so far out to the fishing boats, our return trip was fast until we got closer to shore. The fog lifted (wouldn't you know it) and we could see land in the distance.
Phil and Chris spotted our only Humpback Whale of the day. We cruised near and stopped as the whale came very close to the boat.
It remained on the surface for quite awhile, blowing and feeding. Finally it started it's dive and showed its tail flukes.

Along the jetty we saw 4 Surfbirds, several Wandering Tattlers, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, Black Turnstones and Western Sandpipers.
In the boat basin, we encountered a Marbled Godwit flock of about 400, 3 Whimbrel and more Black Turnstones.
Also greeting us as we neared the docking was the chorusing California Sea Lions and several Harbor Seals.

Spotters for the trip were Bill Shelmerdine, Gene Reveles and myself. Boat personnel, spotters and great hosts were Phil and Chris Anderson.

For further information, count totals( give a week or so) and reservations please visit our website at www.westportseabirds.com

Thanks to all, who have come on the trips during these Covid 19 times!

Bruce LaBar
Tacoma,WA
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