[Tweeters] Westport Seabirds Trip Report 03182023, Parakeet Auklets and more

[bill shelmerdine]

Good morning all,

Saturday, March 18th was another wonderful day on the ocean and a great way to start the 2023 pelagic Westport Seabirds schedule.  Considering the time of year and the recent weather, conditions offshore could hardly have been any better with low swell, light winds, and no precipitation.  March trips are shaping up to be one of the best, if not the best time to find Parakeet Auklet in Washington.  Yesterday’s trip did not disappoint, with numerous sightings of this uncommon species, some very close to the boat.

Some trip highlights included 8 species of alcids including: Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled and Ancient Murrelet; Cassin’s, Parakeet (13+), and Rhinoceros Auklet, and Tufted Puffin.


The chum stop too was quite successful with Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Short-tailed and Sooty Shearwaters, and good variety of gulls, including Black-legged Kittiwake (80 or so) and a nice adult Sabines Gull (early).  Deepwater treats included a close fly-by Parakeet Auklet, and a cooperative Tufted Puffin (well photographed by many).  While at the chum stop, a huge pod of Northern Right Whale Dolphin moved in.  Estimated at about 375 animals, it was the largest single group of this species most of us had ever seen.


The return trip added to our trip numbers and gave us great looks at a cooperative Parakeet Auklet that stayed on the water close to the boat.  The only new offshore species added was Pomarine Jaeger.  We had good looks at 4, 2 light and 2 dark, punctuated by great looks at a beautiful dark adult with full “spoons” passing close to the boat.  For a complete list species of species sighted check the Westport Seabirds webpage or ebird in the coming days and/or week(s).


It was also a good day for mammals.  In addition to the Right Whale Dolphin pod encountered in deep water, other mammals included:  Humpback and Gray Whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Harbor Porpoise (many), Steller Sea Lions, and Harbor Seal.  As usual, California Sea Lions were inside the boat basin on the return.

A wonderful trip and a great start to the 2023 season.  Spotters for the trip included Scott Mills, Bill Shelmerdine, and Gene Revelas. As usual Phil and Chris Anderson provided expert boat handling and outstanding customer service.  It was a great group of 18 participants, many seasoned observers and a few new faces.  Thank you to the participants that make these trips possible.

Bill Shelmerdine

Westport Seabirds Spotter

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