[Tweeters] July 24 Westport Seabirds trip report

[Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters]

Hi Tweeters,

Sorry for the delay in posting this report.  Somehow life got in the way.

When one arrives at the dock for a pelagic trip, one usually hopes for a
smooth ride with no sea spray, boat rocking, or temporary queasiness.  As
fate would have it, today *was* one of those days.  The *Monte Carlo* departed
Westport marina with a flock of enthusiastic birders under a partly cloudy
sky.  Although a bit bumpy over the bar, we soon started observing
the species that call the close inshore waters home.  Numerous Sooty
Shearwaters (5001), Rhinoceros Auklets (142) and Common Murres (1451)
sprinkled the waters and were a great introduction to the region's pelagic
birds and pelagic bird families.  An early surprise was a Manx Shearwater
(3) that zipped by the bow of the *Monte Carlo* - a nice sighting so early
on the trip and the first of three sightings for the day!

Flocks of diminutive Red-necked Phalaropes (274) became more and more
common as we ventured further.  Soon, Pink-footed Shearwaters (457) joined
the Sootys and allowed for good side by side comparisons as they winged by.
  I was thrilled to be able to yell my favorite word on any pelagic trip -
Skua!  The bird winged right over the boat which gave everyone incredible
views.  This was the first of 8 South Polar Skuas (8) for the day!  One
eagle eyed participant pointed out a few distant Sabine's Gulls (13) but,
unfortunately, throughout the day, none of these beautiful birds came close
to the *Monte Carlo*.  Cassin's Auklets (128) bounced their way along the
water and a few Red Phalaropes (31) were seen by those on the bow.
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (192) also started to appear much to the delight
of some of the out of state birders who most wanted to see this species.
Surprisingly, Leach's Storm Petrels (85) also appeared before we were even
close to the edge of the shelf.  This species is usually found only over
deep water so this was unusual.

Although apparently featureless to us, the birds know where the shelf edge
is and the species variety increased as we neared that invisible mark.  The
call of "albatross" is always eagerly anticipated and we watched several
Black-footed Albatrosses (33) fly by on 6.5 wingspan on their multi day
foraging runs from the leeward chain of the Hawaiian Islands..  No Westport
trip is complete without an albatross.  Whew, glad they found us or was it
we who found them?  A Parasitic Jaeger (2) or 2 were in the area as well as
several Northern Fulmars (7). Our time over deep water didn't net any
different species although it was great to see so many Leach's
Storm-Petrels.  For the day, a total of 85 were seen - an impressive number
indeed!

On the return to Westport, more highlights awaited - several more Parasitic
Jaegers, a Pomarine Jaeger (1) with maximum spoonage, a floating log with 3
Arctic Terns (we watched then from fairly close for ten minutes which was
unusual), Short-tailed Shearwater (1) which was photographed by those on
the bow, and a great sighting of a Flesh-footed Shearwater (2) which flew
by the bow and joined a second one!  A single Marbled Murrelet (1) was
found about a half mile offshore - a species not often found on a Westport
seabirds trip!

On a Westport Seabirds tour, birds take center stage but other non-avian
highlights are always seen.  A breaching Humpback Whale (12) at about 150
yards drew applause throughout.  Dall's Porpoises (8) and Pacific
White-sided Dolphins (110) cut the surface but didn't come in for the hoped
for bow riding extravaganza.  Blue Sharks (7) and several large Ocean
Sunfish (2) had all of us looking down as well as keeping our eyes and ears
skyward.  Marine mammals and fish are always the icing on the pelagic cake!

Between the tips of the jetties, a feeding frenzy yielded a Manx Shearwater
and another Parasitic Jaeger amid the numerous Heermann's Gulls, Brown
Pelicans and several species of cormorants. A few Pigeon Guillemots (6)
were in the area. The jetty produced 5 Black Turnstones.

Westport Seabirds thanks all of the enthusiastic participants who make
these trips a success.  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
Shelmerdine, Scott Mills, and your trip reporter.

Even though the Westport Seabirds schedule (
http://westportseabirds.com/2023-schedule/) shows all trips as full, it's
always a good idea to think of pelagic opportunities for this year (last
minute openings happen) and next year!

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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