Date: 4/28/26 8:30 pm From: Alvaro Jaramillo via groups.io <chucao...> Subject: [pen-bird] Ocean conditions - May pelagic trips from Half Moon Bay
Hello all
I hope the spring migration is treating you well. Offshore, conditions are warm. The new normal perhaps, although there is a slightly different spin to what is going on right now. Since 2014 our section of the Pacific has had multiple notable "marine heat waves" what was originally termed "the Blob." These are becoming more regular, and some previously unusual birds, fish and mammals are now more regular. For example, Bluefin Tuna is now expected in our region in summer and into fall. Similarly, boobies have become regularly occurring since the heat waves began. What is unusual about this year is that spring upwelling season has been late to start, or weak. As such the warmest spring ocean temperatures since recording has happened, have been seen this spring. Pacific Bonito, a fish from the southern warmer waters has been caught, and the salmon are very deep in the cold water this year. Odd water temperatures are frightening overall, but at the same time they can be good for unusual birds. Cook's and Murphy's Petrels were seen recently offshore; Nazca Booby is in Monterey and surely there are a few others about. These conditions are also good for early Scripps's Murrelets, and eventually for sightings of the rarer Craveri's and Guadalupe murrelets later in the season. Laysan Albatross continue to become more and more regular, and multiples have already been found on offshore boats, and repositioning cruises.
We have a trip this Saturday from Half Moon Bay (Pillar Point) May 2. Conditions right now show typical NW winds and NW swells, which can be good for Pterodroma petrels once one gets out to the offshore waters. We also are offering a May 10 trip from Pillar Point Harbor. Both currently have multiple spots available. Spring is THE time to look for the uncommon Murphy's Petrel, and if water is warm, Cook's Petrel might also be found, Hawaiian Petrel begins to show up at this time of year. Migrant Sabine's Gulls, jaegers, and arriving southern breeding shearwaters will be out there. This is also a great time for numbers of Black-footed Albatross and possibilities for Laysan Albatross. Assuming conditions do not deteriorate, this could be a good short this Saturday for Murphy's.
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