copyright 2003 Shearwater Journeys

Hello, Seabirders,

Highlights from the Shearwater Journeys' trip on August 8 from Monterey included a juvenile LAYSAN ALBATROSS, SALMON SHARK, and LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE. This Monterey trip was typical of this time of year. The weather was terrific: sunny and warm, with some very small waves, but just enough to prevent us from finding the prized Xantus' and Craveri's Murrelets. The sea surface temperature remained above average, ranging from 60-64F. A huge concentration of marine life is still hanging around about 2 miles off Point Pinos where the ocean was boiling with marine mammals, especially large whales. Many seabirds are associated with the feeding whales. In all, we recorded 31 BLUE WHALES and 48 HUMPBACK WHALES for the day. DALL'S PORPOISES (22) were conspicuous, as were 90 PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHINS. Most unusual, was a SALMON SHARK (lifer for me), swimming at the surface.

Seabirds remained about normal: 35 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES were around throughout the day, 2000 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 25 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, and 1 BULLER'S SHEARWATER. Most of the Buller's Shearwaters are still concentrated near Bodega Canyon and the Cordell Bank (see Aug 9th report). No Northern Fulmars were found, again; they are concentrated in the Cordell area. A handful of ASHY STORM-PETRELS (8) and 1 BLACK STORM-PETREL were recorded. Jaeger migration is moving into full swing: 8 POMARINE, 8 POM/PARA, 1 PARASITIC, 11 PARA/LONG-TAILS, 2 LONG-TAILED JAEGERS. The Long-tailed Jaegers are really moving off of Cordell Bank right now. SABINE'S GULLS made a good show at 200. Arctic terns have not really showed up yet. We saw the usual alcids: COMMON MURRE (150), PIGEON GUILLEMOT (12), RHINOCEROS AUKLET (15), CASSIN'S AUKLET (10). Both RED (6) and RED-NECKED PHALAROPES (70) were found. The prize find of the day was when leader Jennifer Green belted out from the stern, "LAYSAN ALBATROSS!" The albatross flew up the wake and sat on the water, eating squid that was thrown to it. It was a beautiful juvenile, probably from the newer-established colony in Mexico. Many photos were shot. The crowning glory of the day, was a LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE, at least 6 feet long, spotted by leader Tristan McKee. Our skipper, Tinker, carefully maneuvered the boat for all on board to see this magnificent creature with a head the size of a basketball. It was a wonderful ending to another terrific day at sea.

I hope that you can join us on one of our trips.
The next Bodega Bay trips with spaces available are Sep. 12, 19, 28 and Oct. 13, 19.
The next Monterey trips with spaces available are: Aug. 23, 31 and Sep. 7, 15, 26 and Oct. 3, 5, 11, 17.
We have two Albacore trips with spaces available scheduled to run from Monterey: Sep. 14 & Oct. 4, an excellent choice for the murrelets, jaegers and skuas.
Trips from Santa Cruz with spaces available: Sep. 13, 27 and Oct. 12.
Our Fort Bragg trips on August 15, 16, and 17 are still sold out. Fort Bragg trips with spaces available: Sep. 21 and Oct. 15.

Debra Shearwater

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