[Tweeters] July 19, 2025 Westport Seabirds trip report

[Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters]

Hi Tweeters,

The early morning checklist included: a group of 18 optimistic birders and
nature enthusiasts (some from as far away as England and Florida), a
welcoming *Monte Carlo* crew and spotters, Harbor Seal heads bobbing in the
marina, and a slight breeze with a uniform overcast sky.  Sounds like a
perfect setup for a great pelagic trip and it didn't disappoint!

The first highlight for many were the several Gray Whales (6) that surfaced
fairly close to the end of the breakwater.  For one participant (shout out
to A.S.) who is doing a mammal big year in Washington State, this was a
great start!  All the regular inshore species were seen in good numbers
which gave everyone a chance to acclimate to binocular viewing from a boat
and studying the varying patterns of gray, black and white that are the
prominent colors of the wildlife of the marine environment.

Word spread slowly that Captain Phil was heading to a few shrimp boats that
were working the edge of the Continental Shelf which had us excited about
seeing a myriad of birds circling the boats looking for a free meal or two
or three.  On the way, lumbering Pink-footed Shearwaters (367) joined the
numerous Sooty Shearwaters (7430), occasional flocks of diminutive
Red-necked Phalaropes (82) flew through, and an uncooperative Pomarine
Jaeger (1) led the *Monte Carlo* towards the shrimp boats.

Shrimp boats (shrimpers) are a blessing and a curse for pelagic birders.
When they are in the area, great, they have loads of feeding birds around
them.  When they are plying the waters much further away, the birds tend to
follow them and there are fewer in the area visited by the pelagic trip.
We lucked out today and spent some quality time with the fleet this
morning.  In addition to the Sooties and Pink-footeds, several Short-tailed
Shearwaters (3) were called out but not seen satisfactorily by all.  This
is one of the most difficult identifications to make.  The similarity to
Sooty Shearwaters is annoying but very rewarding once you find one!  A
surprise was the first of the day's pristine Flesh-footed Shearwaters (2),
a life bird for many.  Interesting that both sightings were of birds
that seemed to be associating with dolphin pods.  This species that breeds
in New Zealand and on Indo Pacific Islands is always a highlight!
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (197) vied for attention with Northern Fulmars
(6) and impressive Black-footed Albatrosses (27) that were in the area.
Great to see small, medium, and large tubenoses in one place for
great comparison of flight style, plumage, and feeding habits.  Crisp
Sabine's Gulls (12) joined the fray and a Common Tern (1) flew through.
Another highlight was a flock of Arctic Terns (4) that came out of nowhere
and hung out over the *Monte Carlo* for a minute or two for profoundly
great viewing for those not deterred by looking straight up. Cassin's
Auklets (28) flew by but never really stopped for that incredible view of
one of our smallest local alcids.  Three Red Phalaropes (8) were seen well
which included two that still retained a lot of their breeding plumage red
coloration. Of course, even 30 miles offshore, gulls happen and we looked
through those too but no real surprises.  Eventually, Captain Phil pointed
the *Monte Carlo* west towards deep water and we anticipated our sought
after Leach's Storm-Petrels (25) which call the waters off the shelf edge
home.  We were not disappointed with quite a few close views!

I heard one of the participants opine after the trip that the birds were
great but the mammals took top billing.  I totally understood that
sentiment.  The mammals were numerous and diverse.  We saw at least three
different mixed pods of dolphins which included Pacific White-sided (225)
and sleek, acrobatic Northern Right Whale Dolphins (54).  Pixels and many
videos were taken as they bow rode for minutes at a time.  Not to be
outdone, we also had bow riding Dall's Porpoises (8 - some WOW videos!).
These were way cool moments! Humpback Whales (11), the aforementioned Gray
Whales (6), a Northern Elephant Seal, several Northern Fur Seals (3 -
couldn't confirm that any were Guadalupe FS), and at least two far offshore
Harbor Seals (6) rounded out the impressive mammal show.  If that weren't
enough, numerous Blue Sharks (26) were observed (thanks to the flat calm
sea) and some pretty humongous Ocean Sunfish (8) too!

As we neared the breakwater, our birding wasn't finished.  An adult Tufted
Puffin came out of nowhere and flew right over the boat for all to see.
This is always a highlight on any Westport Seabirds trip.  A final surprise
was a full sized apparent young of the year Ancient Murrelet that stayed
for prolonged views for all to see.  For me, an Ancient Murrelet in July
just seemed a bit strange but a great addition to our list of wildlife
sightings which included numerous Rhinoceros Auklets (140), Common Murres
(189), Brown Pelicans (500) and the host of gulls and all three species of
cormorants that regularly hang out along the breakwater.  Loafing
Steller's Sea Lions ((4) were on their usual channel marker perches.
Wandering Tattlers (4) were seen along the breakwater for a fitting climax
to this great trip.  Our last birds and mammals were Pigeon Guillemots (12)
and the ever present bobbing heads of Harbor Seals that saw us disembark.

Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make
these trips a success.  A special thanks to Shawneen Finnegan and Dave
Irons and their group of hearty travelers from England.  Also, thanks to
Captain Phil and first mate Chris for their consummate professionalism,
natural history knowledge, bright smiles, and ginger cookies! Also,a big
thanks to our guides Bill Tweit, Bruce LaBar, and your trip reporter.

Even though the Westport Seabirds schedule (
http://westportseabirds.com/2025-schedule/) shows all trips as full, it's
always a good idea to think of future pelagic opportunities (last minute
openings happen)!

I hope to see you onboard!

Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds.
-- 
Jim Danzenbaker
Battle Ground, WA
360-702-9395
jdanzenbaker at gmail.com
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