Date: 10/9/25 4:51 pm From: Jim Danzenbaker via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] September 26, 2025 Westport Seabirds trip report
Hi Tweeters,
Today was a memorable day for Westport Seabirds. The birds were great, the whale numbers were remarkable, but the behind the scenes story was what made this day most memorable. More on that in a future email.
The birds and mammals.
This trip was rescheduled from September 24 during a narrow window of pelagic trip worthy weather. We were indeed lucky - a bit of rain in the morning gave way to a mostly sunny sky. What wind there was as the *Monte Carlo *departed the wharf had mostly subsided by the time we cleared the jetty and headed to open water. This day would have no sheep on the pond (white caps).
Soon, all optics were pointed at the numerous Sooty Shearwaters (611) streaming by and the Common Murres (299 - many (13) with their full grown chick in tow) resting on the water. These were joined by Rhinoceros Auklets (11) and Pink-footed Shearwaters (124) and a growing number of California (256) and Western/Glaucous-winged Gulls (121) and some gull soup (intergrades) too. Not too long after participants gained confidence in identifying these species, we added a few uncooperative Buller's Shearwater (3) and Cassin's Auklets (22). The day's first Parasitic Jaeger (3) flew by but apparently it wasn't as interested in us as we were with it.
Eventually, we reached the good stuff that we had all hoped to see. Although a fishing boat wasn't doing anything worthy of study and had already left the area, it had done its job by attracting birds to a small area for us to park alongside, toss suet and some yummy cod liver oil and watch the avian mayhem. Soon, we were surrounded by numerous Northern Fulmars (157), Black-footed Albatrosses (38), Pink-footed Shearwaters (124), Sabine's Gulls (73), and a few diminutive Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (48). There were many mega-pixel moments enjoyed by all! Unfortunately, the Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers (6) that winged by didn't stay for prolonged views - they had other plans. A few Short-tailed Shearwaters (16) circled the boat several times before alighting on the water for a good study of this often very difficult avian identification.
The birds weren't the only things that highlighted our morning. At one point, numerous Humpback Whales (42) seemed to be everywhere - a pair of blows to the right, a group of three beyond them, another feeding group of four to the left. It was one of those moments that will live in our collective memories. Several Dall's Porpoises (5) were seen too but they were not bow riders today. Our first Fur Seal of the day turned out to be a Guadalupe Fur Seal (1), a species once on the brink of extinction but currently making a strong comeback thanks to the end of the fur trade on the Mexican islands where they breed. We later saw the more numerous Northern Fur Seals (5), a few with their flippers in typical jughandle position.
Our return trip had us following a line that was several miles off from our trek outward and, therefore, we were treated to a second helping of numerous Humpback Whales. There was apparently a large food supply from 60-200 feet down so the whales were not having to dive far for a meal. No huge fluke show today but numerous views of blows, nubby dorsal fins and low level flukes gave away their numbers and their feeding strategy. We also saw Gray Whales (4) as we got closer to shore. Not to be outdone, long awaited South Polar Skuas (2) were seen on the way in - both birds being seen well as they came close to the *Monte Carlo* before disappearing towards their next meal. A flock of Cackling Geese (59) were assumed to be the Aleutian race making a bee line from the Aleutians to somewhere in southern Oregon and beyond. All three of the expected loons, White-winged and Surf Scoters, and a single Pigeon Guillemot rounded out the avian show.
I can't forget to mention several *Mola molas* that, although not the most energetic creatures on the planet, still garnered many photo snaps and gasps of wonder.
With the weather cancelling the scheduled trips for September 29 and 30, this was the last pelagic trip of the season. However, this was also the last trip on the *Monte Carlo*. We've made many fine pelagic memories onboard this boat and hosted so many customers from all over the world who we call family. As stated before, more on this in a future email.
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 Tweit, Charlie Wright, Bruce LaBar, and your trip reporter.
Westport Seabirds will likely live on in 2026 in a different form and we're looking forward to the new season. Keep monitoring the Westport Seabirds website (https://westportseabirds.com) for updates and for the 2026 schedule which will be posted in January. We look forward to sharing the next chapter of Westport Seabirds with everyone, as we continue the evolution of Westpost Seabirds.
We hope to see you onboard!
Jim Danzenbaker for Westport Seabirds. -- Jim Danzenbaker Battle Ground, WA 360-702-9395 <jdanzenbaker...>
