copyright 2003 Shearwater Journeys

Sea Birders:

The first Shearwater Journeys trip of the fall season was a resounding success. The highlights were 22 Long-tailed Jaegers (including full adults with long tail streamers), some only 2 miles from shore, as well as 150+ Sabine's Gulls, and 20 Arctic Terns. Normally Long-tailed Jaegers are not found in such high numbers inside the bay, and Sabine's Gull were also more numerous than usual this early in fall.

In addtion to stunning views of LT Jaegers, particpants were also treated to good views of 14 Pomarine Jaegers and 5 Parasitic Jaegers (the jaeger trifecta!). Six-thousand+ Sooty Shearwaters and 12 pink-footed Shearwaters were also recorded. Eighteen Black-footed Albatrosses rounded out the tubenoses.

Alcids were represented by Common Murres (many escorting chicks) Pigeon Guillemots, Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets. Both Red and Red-necked Phalaropes were also sighted. Two Harlequin Ducks were spotted in the harbor.

No less exciting were 12 Humpback Whales, and Dall's Porpoise riding the bow. Pacific White-sided and Northern Right Whale Dolphins also put on a show.

Albacore Tuna were being caught by fishing boats only 10 miles from shore. An Opah (a truly tropical fish) was also landed by a fishing boat, certainly signs that the forecasted El Nino is beginning to occur in Monterey.

Upcoming trips:

August 9th - Plenty of room - show up at Chris's Fishing in Monterey at 7:00AM with $110 cash. Debi is teaching an IFO workshop, so call Todd McGrath 310-574-4961(h) or 310-770-4712(c) if you need any info about this trip. Otherwise, just show up.

August 10th Bodega Bay - sold out

August 11th Farallon Island - still a few spaces

Every Shearwater Journeys trip is staffed by experienced leaders, often with hundreds (or even thousands) of days at sea.

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Click on the Murrelet to find out how to reserve a trip.